Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) published its annual report “Energy, Electricity and Nuclear Energy Assessments to 2050”, the presentation of which took place during the recent opening of the 2nd IAEA International Conference on climate change and the role of nuclear energy Atoms4NetZero in Vienna.

According to updated IAEA calculations, a quarter more nuclear power capacity is expected to be installed by 2050 than forecast in 2020. The agency explains that this is because more countries are choosing low-carbon sources to address energy security, climate change and economic development.

Today, according to the IAEA, 411 reactors are in operation worldwide. The five global leaders (USA, France, China, Russia and South Korea) account for about 64% of operating power units. In the optimistic scenario of the new forecast, the installed nuclear power capacity will more than double by 2050 to 890 GW of electricity, compared to today’s 369 GW. According to a more restrained scenario, the growth of nuclear generation could amount to 458 GW of electricity.

“In addition to climate change, amid today’s geopolitical challenges, countries are increasingly recognizing that nuclear power is a key factor in the security of energy supply. As a result, many are extending the life of existing reactors, considering or starting construction of improved reactor designs, and/or considering small modular reactors, including for non-power applications,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said in a statement.

The development and growth of the nuclear industry may be hampered by challenges related to climate change, financing and supply chain challenges. When making decisions regarding investment in nuclear projects, the head of the agency drew attention to the importance of relying on arguments based on science, facts and common sense.

“Governments and investors need comprehensive, science-based data to make informed choices about major infrastructure projects. But in their calculations, they work with gaps in the data on how we will get to zero! Too often, nuclear power is left out of energy scenario studies used by governments and investors. This is despite the proven role of nuclear power in mitigating climate change and enhancing energy security and sustainable development,” said CEO Grossi.