Mar 11, 2021 07:00:00

The role of nuclear power in the world's energy supply is shrinking

As of 2021, nuclear power accounts for approximately 10% of the world's energy supply, a decrease of 3% from 2010.

The scientific journal Nature argues that nuclear energy, which has been used for a long time, will continue to decline due to various factors in the future.

Nuclear technology's role in the world's energy supply is shrinking
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00615-w

In the past, great expectations were placed on nuclear power generation, and countries around the world have been working on the production of new nuclear reactors. However, in 1979, the situation changed completely when an accident occurred at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in the United States. Although it is reported that the accident did not affect human life, an anti-nuclear movement broke out in the United States. Furthermore, in 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident spread the effects of radiation not only to the Soviet Union but also to Eastern and Western Europe, and it is said that public awareness of the risks of nuclear power has risen significantly.

The cost of damage caused by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident is estimated to exceed 200 billion dollars (about 22 trillion yen), and in addition, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident that occurred in 2011 will decontaminate the entire Fukushima prefecture. The cost is estimated to be 470 billion dollars (about 51 trillion yen) to 660 billion dollars (about 71 trillion yen).

What these mean is that 'the cost of nuclear power is not just construction and maintenance costs, but the country needs to prepare huge amounts of money, regardless of whether a disaster occurs or not.' Says.

The enormous cost of nuclear power is a barrier to entry and most countries are unable to set up nuclear power plants. In addition, countries that are about to embark on nuclear development are expected to cooperate with

the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Suppliers Group for the purpose of preventing nuclear proliferation. These agencies have strict regulations to prevent cases such as India and Pakistan that have diverted nuclear technology to nuclear weapons.

Nature says, 'Nuclear energy has helped people's lives for decades, but the energy that supports our lives is like having to take extensive steps to maintain it. It shouldn't be, it should focus on cheap and safe renewable energy. '