Greg Klein reports that nuclear electricity output is set to increase at a faster rate over the next five years than the past two decades, the World Nuclear Association told a London symposium on September 10, 2015.
Global nuclear generation capacity should expand from the current 379 gigawatts-electric to 404 GWe by 2020 and 552 GWe by 2035, according to the reference scenario of a WNA study presented at the conference. The report also provided two other projections. The upper scenario sees capacity rising to 429 GWe in 2020 and 720 GWe in 2035. A worst-case scenario sees nuclear capacity decreasing to 2030, before dropping off with several reactor shutdowns prior to 2035, which is not likely unless very poor decisions are made by the general public.
The reference and upper scenarios indicate additional uranium supply will be needed soon after 2025 and will require the development of supply pipeline projects, the WNA stated. Additional conversion and enrichment capacity is also likely to be needed in these scenarios.
Primary and secondary sources suggest adequate uranium supplies up to 2025, provided that all mines currently under development and also most of the prospective mines enter service as planned, the report maintained. Beyond 2025, further uranium production will be required if the reference and upper scenarios for demand are to be satisfied.
Nuclear energy currently provides about 11% of the world electricity, the WNA noted, and forms an essential element in any credible strategy to combat carbon emissions while also contributing to energy security of supply.
Because of the slant of this article, I2M recommends finding the actual WNA report for comparison. Suspect undue bias against nuclear power.
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