World Nuclear Performance Report 2022 Highlights Increase in Nuclear Generation with Improved Performance
WORLD NUCLEAR ASSOCIATION July 26, 2022
The 2022 edition of the World Nuclear Performance Report, published today, reviews the global nuclear industry’s record in the supply of electricity from operating reactors and progress with construction of new reactors.
Nuclear generation increasing by 100 TWh to reach 2653 TWh in 2021, meeting 10% of the world’s electricity demand.
Reactor performance improved, with the average capacity factor of the world’s operating nuclear reactor rising to 82.4%, up from 80.3% in 2020.
Construction started on ten reactors in 2021, six of which are being built in China. This includes the start of construction of the first land-based SMR at Changjiang, in Haiyan Province. Six reactors were started supplying electricity for the first time in 2021, three in China, and one each in India, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
The report also highlights how early reactor closures are countering the benefits of new reactor construction and commissioning, primarily due either to political phase-outs or inequitable electricity market design.
Sama Bilbao y León, Director General, World Nuclear Association, commented.
“Every additional megawatt-hour of nuclear generation helps in the fight against climate change and every reactor helps provide secure and reliable electricity.
“At a time when every kWh of clean secure energy is precious, and extending the operating lives of existing nuclear plants should be incentivized, misguided political dogma is making things worse.”
In 2022 five reactors have already been connected to the grid, and construction has started on six reactors, including three in July.
Sama Bilbao y León said.
“In the last few months, we have had announcements from many new and existing nuclear countries setting out their plans for new reactors large and small.
“It is essential that these plans are delivered on in full and expanded upon, so the pace and scale of new nuclear construction accelerates worldwide.”
Notes for Editors
- The World Nuclear Performance Report is available to downlioad from:
https://www.world-nuclear.org/world-nuclear-performance-report.aspx - The global results are also available online, with high-resolution graphics embedded.
- The results are also presented in launch video.
###
World Nuclear Association is the international organisation that represents the global nuclear industry. Its mission is to promote a wider understanding of nuclear energy among key international influencers by producing authoritative information, developing common industry positions, and contributing to the energy debate, as well as to pave the way for expanding nuclear business.
If you would like more information on this topic, please call Jonathan Cobb on +44 (0)20 7451 1536 or contact via the web.
