Nuclear power is making headlines again, reviving debates and discussions from years past. Just over a decade ago, the nuclear industry seemed to be on the decline, with safety and cost concerns casting shadows on what was once heralded as the future of energy. Yet, the global narrative surrounding nuclear power is shifting, ignited by pressures to curb emissions and secure energy independence, especially following geopolitical tensions.
The resurrection of nuclear power is partly fueled by tech titans like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon investing heavily in this sector. These tech companies, recognizing the energy demands of their data centers and the growing emphasis on sustainability, are taking steps to integrate clean energy sources, including nuclear, to meet their future electricity needs.
Rewind to the mid-20th century—a time when nuclear power was seen as revolutionary, promising unlimited energy potential. The early enthusiasm was unmistakable; efforts to control the very forces unleashed by atomic bombs to light up homes seemed like science fiction turned reality. With uranium providing energy output twenty thousand times greater than coal, nuclear power appeared uncontested. But then came the disasters. Chernobyl and Fukushima stirred deep-seated fear over safety, leading to heavy restrictions and skepticism about nuclear energy.
Some countries opted to phase out nuclear energy altogether. For example, Germany decided to shut down its reactors entirely, and Japan idled most of its nuclear facilities post-Fukushima. The fallout? A staggering loss of 48 gigawatts of electric power globally between 2011 and 2020, as reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency highlighted.
Nonetheless, not all nations took the same path. China, for example, has seen substantial growth, leaping from just 13 operational reactors to 55, with 23 more under construction, driven by the demand for electricity and the need to meet emissions targets. Other developed nations are now reassessing their stance on nuclear power, propelled by climate imperatives and energy security concerns, particularly after the recent energy crisis amplified by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The discourse is changing. Countries like France, which generates about 70% of its electricity from nuclear plants, are shifting gears to build more reactors rather than reducing their reliance on nuclear energy. South Korea recently reversed its previous decision to phase out nuclear, indicating the strong demand for clean energy. Not to be left out, the United States plans to triple its nuclear power generation by 2050, as reaffirmed during the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (Cop29).
That conference saw 31 nations, including the UK and Japan, pledge to ramp up nuclear energy as part of their climate strategies—a move many see as pivotal for achieving climate goals. The U.S. and the UK also announced plans for collaboration on advanced nuclear technologies, aiming to drive innovation and investment within the sector.
Public opinion is also shifting. According to the Pew Research Center, support for nuclear power has surged, with 56% of U.S. adults favoring more nuclear plants, the highest level of approval recorded since 2009. This isn't just about new technologies—it's about recognizing nuclear's role as a key player in reducing electricity generation emissions.
Innovations within the nuclear sector are taking center stage. For example, the introduction of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) aims to address some of the historical challenges associated with nuclear power. These reactors promise to be smaller, cheaper, and faster to build, addressing concerns about the lengthy timelines and dire cost overruns typical for traditional nuclear plants. The obstacles to nuclear energy are numerous; costs for new power stations can run up to billions and past accidents have soured public perception. Yet, many proponents of nuclear argue it is the safest form of energy available.
Bill Gates’ involvement with the startup TerraPower exemplifies the push for new designs, as he seeks to create next-generation reactors. Gates emphasizes the need to innovate within the nuclear sphere but acknowledges the challenges of bringing such technologies to fruition. While some see his efforts as positive, others argue such focus might overshadow current operational reactors, painting them as outdated or obsolete.
Still, much of the public and industry attention is rebounding. Reports indicate over 300 nuclear reactors have been proposed globally, with more than 110 planned and 60 currently under construction. If these projections hold, nuclear capacity could increase by 26% by 2050—a significant uptick for the energy source.
Meanwhile, traditional nuclear plants are still functioning successfully. For example, the Three Mile Island facility is being readied for operations again, with Microsoft committing to purchase the energy produced there for its data centers, highlighting the utility of nuclear power even amid historical fears.
Looking at the broader picture, as countries strive to meet the Paris Agreement targets, integrating nuclear energy with renewable sources is becoming increasingly seen as necessary. Wind and solar energize but often fail to provide continuous supply. Nuclear plants produce steady electricity, proving to be the ideal partner to intermittent renewable sources.
The European union is also taking strides to rethink its opposition to nuclear power. Recent years have seen the formation of alliances promoting nuclear energy among member states, led by figures backing the integration of nuclear power with renewable projects. President Ursula von der Leyen recently emphasized the need for more nuclear energy alongside renewables—a notable endorsement from such a significant figure.
While the future of nuclear power seems promising amid rising climate concerns, skepticism remains. Questions linger about waste disposal, safety, and the overall economic viability of new projects—the legacy of previous nuclear incidents is hard to shake. Still, it seems clear: as the world recalibrates its energy strategies, nuclear power is poised to reclaim its role in the energy mix, offering the promise of clean, reliable power when societal demand for such resources waxes stronger than ever.
