IAEA: Global nuclear energy use is expected to more than triple by 2060

(Central News Agency, United Nations Headquarters in New York, Comprehensive Foreign Reports on the 23rd) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Administrator Rafael Grossi said today that it is expected that by 2060, the global nuclear power installation capacity may increase to more than three times the current level. The main driving force comes from the electrification trend, the power consumption of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, and the demand for stable, carbon-free electricity from technology companies.

The Associated Press reported that Grossi pointed out in the International Atomic Energy Agency's annual report submitted to the United Nations General Assembly that more and more countries regard nuclear energy as an important way to improve energy security. He also emphasized that nuclear energy is as important as solar energy and is "safer than all other options."

Grossi said, "In 2025, more than 400 operating reactors in more than 30 countries will supply 10% of the world's electricity and a quarter of the world's low-carbon electricity." More than 60 new reactors are currently being built, and forecasts for the total capacity of future nuclear power generation facilities have also been significantly revised.

In addition to the growing peaceful uses of nuclear energy, Grossi also talked about the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea, the "unprecedented nuclear security threat" posed by the Russia-Ukraine war, and reports that unnamed countries are discussing how to obtain nuclear weapons.

When talking about Iran, Grossi pointed out that the United States attacked Iran's nuclear facilities last year, and then the United States and Israel launched a war on February 28. He told U.N. members that the technical preparations needed to reach a diplomatic agreement had been completed.

He said: "I call on all parties to redouble their efforts to reach a diplomatic solution and include the indispensable verification mechanism of the International Atomic Energy Agency, otherwise no agreement can be durable. The International Atomic Energy Agency's inspectors must return to Iran as soon as possible, which requires all parties to return to the negotiating table."

As for North Korea, Grossi warned that the situation in North Korea "is a clear reminder of the consequences if anyone crosses the red line." United Nations Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from building nuclear weapons.

When talking about Ukraine, Grossi specifically mentioned the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe. He pointed out that the power plant is still "precarious". Not only does it often lose external power supply, but its backup diesel supply is also limited. Military activities also continue to threaten the power plant and its employees.

On the other hand, Grossi said that the IAEA has made "significant progress" in clarifying and resolving issues related to Syria's nuclear activities in the past 20 years after engaging with the government of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.