Nuclear power
More than 30 countries have committed to tripling global nuclear power capacity by 2050 as part of efforts to reach net-zero emissions.
What is nuclear power?
Nuclear power generates electricity by splitting atoms in a process called nuclear fission. This produces heat, which turns water into steam and drives turbines. Unlike coal or gas, it doesn’t emit carbon dioxide during operation. While the basic idea has been around for decades, nuclear is being reconsidered in the context of climate targets and the need for stable energy sources.
Where are they being built?
China is expanding its nuclear capacity more than any other country, with dozens of new reactors planned. The US is also moving ahead with new developments too. In New York, Governor Hochul has announced plans for the first new major plant in 15 years that will generate at least 1 gigawatt of nuclear power in upstate New York – which could power nearly 900k homes a year on average use.
In the UK, the focus is currently on Sizewell C, a proposed plant on the Suffolk coast. The government has committed £14.2bn to the project, which is expected to power up to 6 million homes once operational. Alongside the energy supply benefits, the project is also expected to support jobs and apprenticeships during the build phase.
What are the benefits?
Nuclear is low in carbon emissions once built, which supports net-zero goals. It also provides a consistent energy supply – unlike wind and solar, which are weather-dependent. For countries like the UK, which are phasing out fossil fuels and aiming for greater energy independence, nuclear power offers a reliable baseline.
What’s the other side?
Nuclear plants are expensive and time-consuming to build. The upfront costs for Sizewell C are expected to reach £40bn, and while the government argues this is an investment in energy security, others question whether the money could be better spent. There are also concerns about the environmental impact – particularly the effect of construction on local ecosystems – and about how radioactive waste is managed over the long term.
So where does this leave us?
Nuclear is a central part of global energy plans. It isn’t fast or cheap, but it offers long-term, low-carbon electricity at a time when both climate targets and energy resilience are high priorities. As with most energy decisions, it’s a balance – between cost, environmental impact, emissions and time.