Nuclear energy, a key player in meeting 2025 sustainable energy targets

As the world intensifies its efforts to combat climate change, the role of nuclear energy in achieving sustainable energy goals has come into sharper focus. With the global commitment to limit temperature rises to below 1.5°C, every energy source must contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
While renewable energy sources like wind and solar are crucial to this transition, nuclear energy offers unique advantages that make it an indispensable component of a sustainable energy future.

Nuclear energy is the unsung hero of decarbonisation

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nuclear power currently supplies 10% of the world’s electricity and accounts for one-third of global low-carbon electricity production. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear plants emit no greenhouse gases during operation. Over their entire lifecycle, nuclear energy’s carbon footprint is comparable to wind energy and significantly lower than that of solar power.

More importantly, nuclear provides reliable, baseload energy—operating consistently at 90% capacity—making it a crucial counterpart to intermittent renewables like wind and solar, which are dependent on weather conditions. This stability is especially vital as global electricity demand surges, driven by the electrification of industries, the rise of electric vehicles, and the energy-intensive applications of artificial intelligence.

Scaling up nuclear capacity: the 2025 and 2050 Vision

Governments around the world are recognizing the need to expand nuclear capacity. The United States, for instance, has unveiled a roadmap to triple its nuclear energy output by 2050. This ambitious plan includes adding 200 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity through the construction of advanced reactors, reactivations, and the modernisation of existing facilities.

Short-term milestones are equally significant. By 2025, nuclear capacity is expected to grow as reactors in China, India, and Europe come online. In France, nuclear power—which already accounts for 70% of its electricity generation—will see increased output through upgrades and life-extension projects for existing plants.

The Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are transforming the industry

One of the most promising developments in nuclear technology is the rise of SMRs. Unlike traditional large-scale reactors, they are designed for modular construction, allowing them to be built in factories and transported to installation sites. These reactors, producing up to 300 megawatts per module, offer several advantages:

– Scalability: SMRs can be deployed individually or as part of a multi-module plant, making them suitable for diverse energy needs.
– Safety: SMRs incorporate advanced passive safety features, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
– Versatility: They can power remote regions, desalinate water, and produce hydrogen, supporting both energy and non-electric applications.

With over 80 SMR designs under development worldwide, these reactors are poised to revolutionise the industry. By 2025, SMRs currently under construction in Argentina, China, and Russia are expected to become operational, setting the stage for broader deployment by the end of the decade.

Addressing challenges: safety, cost, and waste

Despite its advantages, nuclear energy faces enduring challenges that must be addressed to fully realise its potential:

– Safety concerns: High-profile accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima have left a legacy of public mistrust. However, advancements in reactor design and stringent regulatory oversight have significantly improved safety standards. Modern reactors, including SMRs, are designed to shut down safely in emergencies without human intervention.
– Economic barriers: Nuclear projects often face high upfront costs and lengthy construction timelines. Modular construction techniques, standardised designs, and supportive policies such as tax incentives and streamlined licensing processes are helping to lower these financial barriers.
– Waste management: While nuclear waste is highly radioactive, its volume is relatively small compared to the energy produced. Innovative approaches, such as deep geological storage (already being implemented in Finland) and advanced recycling technologies, are reducing waste volume and toxicity.

Integrating nuclear with renewables

Nuclear energy sustainability is no secret. That’s why it is not a competitor to renewable sources—it is a complement. Together, they form a powerful duo for achieving decarbonisation. Hybrid energy systems, which combine nuclear with renewables like wind and solar, can provide stable, round-the-clock power while optimising energy use for heating, desalination, and hydrogen production.

Countries like the United States, Japan, and Canada are leading initiatives to explore these integrated systems. For example, the Nuclear Innovation Clean Energy Future (NICE Future) program promotes collaboration between nuclear and renewable energy sectors to create efficient, low-carbon energy systems.

Meeting the 2025 energy goals

As the 2025 deadline for interim energy goals approaches, nuclear energy is set to play a critical role:

– Expanding capacity: New reactors will come online in countries like China, India, and France, bolstering global nuclear output.
– Supporting innovation: The deployment of SMRs will offer scalable, flexible solutions to energy challenges in remote regions and industrial applications.
– Reducing emissions: The increased use of nuclear energy will help displace fossil fuels, contributing significantly to carbon reduction targets.

A catalyst for sustainable energy

To achieve the deep decarbonization required to meet global climate targets, the world needs a diverse energy mix. Nuclear energy, with its unmatched reliability, scalability, and low-carbon footprint, is essential to this equation. By investing in advanced technologies, addressing public concerns, and fostering international collaboration, the nuclear industry can help drive a sustainable energy transition.

As we look toward 2025 and beyond, the question is no longer whether nuclear fits into the energy mix, but how quickly and effectively it can be scaled to meet the world’s energy demands.  It is now clearer than ever that sustainable energy lies in a balanced mix of renewables and nuclear.