The World Nuclear Performance Report 2024 has unveiled a significant surge in global nuclear power generation and average capacity factors. These findings underscore the continued exceptional performance of the global nuclear reactor fleet. In 2023, global nuclear electricity generation rose to 2602 TWh, up from 2544 TWh in 2022, now representing 9% of the world’s electricity. Nuclear power stands as the second-largest clean energy source after hydropower. Furthermore, the average capacity factor of nuclear reactors saw a 1% increase, reaching 81.5% in 2023. This sustained trend of high global capacity factors since 2000 emphasizes the reliability of nuclear energy as a clean energy source.
Key takeaways from the report include a rise in global nuclear electricity generation to 2602 TWh in 2023, up from 2544 TWh in 2022, which now accounts for 9% of the world’s electricity. This makes nuclear power the second-largest clean energy source, following hydropower. Moreover, the average capacity factor of nuclear reactors increased by 1%, reaching 81.5% in 2023. This sustained the trend of high global capacity factors reported since 2000, underscoring the reliability of nuclear energy as a clean energy source.
For over 20 years, nuclear reactors have consistently maintained capacity factors above 80%, highlighting their dependability in supplying energy to the grid. This long-standing performance record reinforces nuclear power’s role as one of the most reliable sources of clean energy.
The report further revealed a balanced activity of reactor shutdowns and new grid connections in the global nuclear industry. Five reactors were decommissioned, while five new reactors were connected to the grid in various countries, including China, Slovakia, the USA, Belarus, and South Korea. A significant milestone for the United States was the connection of Vogtle 3 to the grid, marking the first nuclear power plant to start and complete construction in over 40 years, with Vogtle 4 set to follow shortly. The year also witnessed a concentration of new construction activities in Asia, where nuclear generation has seen a sustained and significant increase over the past decade.
Out of the 64 reactors currently under construction worldwide, more than two-thirds are in Asia, with China alone accounting for 30 reactors. In 2023, 5 of the 6 new construction starts occurred in China, with the remaining one in Egypt, contributing to Africa’s growing role in the global nuclear landscape. Eastern Europe and Russia followed Asia in the number of nuclear units under construction, reflecting the regional dynamics in the nuclear energy sector.
France, the host of the 2024 Summer Olympics, heavily relies on nuclear energy, with over 60% of its electricity generated by nuclear reactors. The return to service of several French reactors contributed an additional 42 TWh. The 1% increase in global capacity factor from the previous year reflects strong and consistent reactor performance, irrespective of the reactors’ age.
Nuclear energy’s environmental impact is significant, as reactors helped avoid 2.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, surpassing the annual emissions of nearly every country, with only China, the U.S., and India emitting more. The report highlights that 64 reactors are currently under construction across 15 countries, with over 20 nations, including Ghana, Poland, and the Philippines, developing policies to enable the construction of their first nuclear plants.
Dr. Sama Bilbao y Leon, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, emphasized that nuclear energy remains one of the most reliable sources of clean energy for the grid. She also noted the continued excellent performance of the global reactor fleet, the rapid expansion of nuclear power in the UAE, and the growing nuclear generation in China as indicators of a high-performing industry. Dr. Sama further states that: “The global nuclear industry is set for a period of major expansion. At COP 28, 25 countries signed the declaration to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. Excitingly, there are new reactors coming online and plans for new construction in a diverse range of countries…Our Performance Report indicates that reactors built now will produce dependable, carbon-free energy for decades and decades.”
Despite a slight decrease in global nuclear capacity, down by one gigawatt due to the start-up of 5 reactors and the closure of 5 others, the increase in generation highlights the efficiency and value of nuclear energy. In 2023, nuclear reactor capacity factors across most regions remained consistent with the average levels observed over the previous 5 years. North America continued to lead with the highest average capacity factors, underscoring the reliability and efficiency of its nuclear fleet.
Africa’s sole operational nuclear facility, South Africa’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, faced significant outages in 2022 and 2023 due to extensive steam generator replacements, impacting its performance. Despite these challenges, Koeberg remains a crucial component of Africa’s energy infrastructure. The report also details new grid connections and construction starts, with five reactors connected to the grid for the first time in 2023, across countries like China, Slovakia, the USA, Belarus, and South Korea.
Asia, particularly China, has witnessed a significant and sustained increase in nuclear generation over the last decade. Of the 64 reactors currently under construction, more than two-thirds are in Asia, with 30 in China alone. Africa, led by Egypt’s El Dabaa project, is ahead of North and South America, as well as Western and Central Europe, in terms of reactors under construction, with Eastern Europe and Russia following Asia in the number of units being built.
As the global push to decarbonize intensifies, there is a growing recognition of nuclear energy as a reliable solution to meet the world’s rising demand for clean, secure, and affordable energy. Nations are increasingly supporting nuclear power as a stable and dependable energy source while helping reduce global carbon emissions.
