Energy Magazine December 2024 | Page 71

RENEWABLE & GREEN ENERGY
in the Middle East – are causing governments to rethink strategies as they look to ensure energy security while decarbonising their economies .”
As well as this , the International Energy Agency ( IEA ) has repeatedly emphasised the prominent role of nuclear energy in achieving net zero globally . The body ’ s report , Nuclear Power and Secure Energy Transitions : From Today ’ s Challenges to Tomorrow ’ s Clean Energy Systems , looks at how nuclear energy could help address two major crises – energy and climate – facing the world today .
“ Historically , nations in Europe , North America and Asia have successfully leveraged nuclear power to strengthen their energy security ,” Valentina continues .
“ While nuclear energy comes with certain benefits , its deployment has remained concentrated with its potential varying by country , depending on factors such as existing energy mix , financial capabilities and public acceptance .”
In the UK , for example , 15 % of the country ’ s electricity is generated from about 6.5GW of nuclear capacity , according to the World Nuclear Association . Despite this heavy weighting , the last nuclear reactor was commissioned almost three decades ago .
The government is , however , proposing the biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years to “ create jobs , reduce bills and strengthen Britain ’ s energy security ”. Its roadmap sets out how the UK will increase nuclear generation to 24GW by 2050 .
“ Since the last nuclear reactor was commissioned , we ’ ve seen
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