Nuclear power could more than triple by 2060, UN agency says

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 00:15 · Archive

The head of the UN nuclear agency expects nuclear power use to more than triple by 2060, driven by artificial intelligence data centres and energy security needs.

Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the UN General Assembly on Friday that nuclear power use could more than triple by 2060. Growth will be driven by electrification, data centres powered by artificial intelligence, and technology companies' demand for reliable carbon-free power, he said.

Currently, more than 400 operating reactors in over 30 countries produce 10 per cent of global electricity and a quarter of its low-carbon electricity. More than 60 new reactors are under construction, and projections for future nuclear capacity have shifted dramatically upward.

Grossi stressed that nuclear energy is key to improving energy security and is on par with solar energy and 'safer than every other option'. He also addressed nuclear programmes in Iran and North Korea, unprecedented threats to nuclear safety from the war in Ukraine, and reports that unnamed countries are discussing acquiring nuclear weapons. Regarding Iran, he called for parties to 'redouble their efforts towards agreeing a diplomatic solution' and said IAEA inspectors must be able to return to Iran.

How it is being reported

• Nuclear power could more than triple by 2060, UN agency saysThe head of the U.N. nuclear agency says he expects the use of nuclear power could more than triple by 2060.Clickorlando · 23 Oct, 23:21
• Nuclear power could more than triple by 2060, UN agency saysThe head of the U.N. nuclear agency says he expects the use of nuclear power could more than triple by 2060.News4Jax · 23 Oct, 23:21

In this story: Rafael Grossi · International Atomic Energy Agency · Iran · North Korea · Ukraine

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem