Nuclear energy for power generation has increased its popularity around the world. This is based on the growing interest from countries that had not previously had nuclear power, but is also due to the fact, that countries such as China, Japan and India are significantly expanding their nuclear powered electric generation capacity.
- Nuclear power delivers around 6% of the worlds primary energy and 14% of electricity supply.
- By the end of 2009 there were 437 power reactors operating worldwide, which corresponds to an installed capacity of 370 GWe.
- 55 units were at the end of 2009 under construction worldwide.
- In France almost 80% of their electricity consumption is covered by nuclear power and in Belgium it is close to 54%.
Nuclear Power Plant
In 2030 it is estimated that the installed power from nuclear plants can be as high as 500 to 800 GWe (gigawatt electric). In the annual publication "Nuclear power and Nuclear Safety"(in Danish), published by Risø DTU in collaboration with the Danish Emergency Management Agency, summarizes on the global trends for 2009. Which plants are closed, which plants is about to be build or closed, and what safety measurements and nuclear preparedness do we have?
From a historical perspective Risø began performing research on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and now continues to contribute to research in nuclear technology and ionizing radiation for the benefit of the Danish society. But today the focus is more on the application of medical science, measurement of radiation dose and on an effective detection and analysis of radioactive isotopes in environmental samples.
In addition, Risø plays a significant role in the national nuclear preparedness program and in radiation protection and monitoring.
"One of the most interesting things in this year's report is probably that the Ignalina power plant in Lithuania has been shut down in 2009. The power plant was of the same type as the Chernobyl NPP and the last of its kind outside Russia, and has been much criticized for his safety," explains Bent Lauritzen, who for many years has been one of the main authors of the report.
The annual report:"Nuclear power and nuclear safety" (in Danish) has been issued since 1994 and is about the international development of nuclear energy with emphasis on reactor safety. In addition it looks at the status of nuclear energy for power generation, regional trends, reactor development, safety incidents belated to nuclear energy and international affairs and conflicts.
"In our report, we predict that the total installed capacity globally will increase significantly in the coming years. It is the desire for greater security of supply, rising gas prices and the demand for a reduced emission of greenhouse gases which has led to this renewed interest," says Bent.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimates that the total capacity in 2030 will be up to between 500 and 800 GWe. 16 countries have started construction of new nuclear reactors, and a high expansion rate is expected particularly in China, India and Russia. In 2009, construction of 11 units were started, 9 of them in China.
Read more about Risø early research on nuclear power for the benefit of the Danish society here.
In addition, Risø plays a significant role in the national nuclear preparedness program and in radiation protection and monitoring.
"One of the most interesting things in this year's report is probably that the Ignalina power plant in Lithuania has been shut down in 2009. The power plant was of the same type as the Chernobyl NPP and the last of its kind outside Russia, and has been much criticized for his safety," explains Bent Lauritzen, who for many years has been one of the main authors of the report.
The annual report:"Nuclear power and nuclear safety" (in Danish) has been issued since 1994 and is about the international development of nuclear energy with emphasis on reactor safety. In addition it looks at the status of nuclear energy for power generation, regional trends, reactor development, safety incidents belated to nuclear energy and international affairs and conflicts.
"In our report, we predict that the total installed capacity globally will increase significantly in the coming years. It is the desire for greater security of supply, rising gas prices and the demand for a reduced emission of greenhouse gases which has led to this renewed interest," says Bent.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimates that the total capacity in 2030 will be up to between 500 and 800 GWe. 16 countries have started construction of new nuclear reactors, and a high expansion rate is expected particularly in China, India and Russia. In 2009, construction of 11 units were started, 9 of them in China.
Read more about Risø early research on nuclear power for the benefit of the Danish society here.
Source: DTU Risø News Release
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