Media Release: New IAEA Report reveals 50 countries are considering nuclear for the first time

The latest copy of the International Atomic Energy Agency's 'Nuclear Technology Review 2024' suggests a strong future for nuclear power worldwide. According to the report 'there are currently some 50 countries' interested in adding nuclear to their energy mix. 

This report makes it clear that Australia is missing out. 32 countries have nuclear, 50 more could soon join them. Many of these countries are our closest partners such as the United States, France, the UK, Canada and the Phillipines. 

Around the world, there is a growing recognition that nuclear is needed for decarbonisation alongside renewables. Australia mustn't wait to learn that lesson for ourselves. 

We immediately call on politicians to work together to lift the bans on nuclear energy to avoid international embarrassment. 

Key Points in the Report: 

• "There are currently some 50 countries that have an interest in adding nuclear power to their energy mix. Among them, 27 countries are in different phases of initiating and implementing their national nuclear power programme. By 2035, the number of operating countries may increase by about 30%, with 10–12 new countries operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) in comparison to the current 31 countries.(Pg6) NOTE: The IAEA does not recognise Taiwan as a country

• The report emphasises how the decarbonisation of industries such as AI and production of hydrogen and process heat will increase the demand for nuclear energy particularly in off the grid applications
• "The Agency has increased its low case projection to 458 gigawatts (GW) in 2050, representing a significant increase of 55 GW compared to the 2022 low case projection . The high case projection has increased to 890 GW in 2050, up from 873 GW in the previous year’s high case projection and representing a 175 GW increase compared to the 2020 projection." (Pg6) NOTE: Current nuclear power capacity worldwide as of December 2023 was 371.5 GW(e)
• "At the end of 2023, a total capacity of 61 .1 GW(e) (59 reactors) was under construction in 17 countries, including 6 reactors with total capacity of 6 .7 GW(e) that started construction during 2023." (Pg15)

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