It is in general difficult to make predictions about the future of any form of energy or power generation. The same applies thus also to Nuclear Energy.
On one side a growing demand for energy and a rapidly progressing climate change could make the enhancement of existing nuclear power capabilities necessary or even feasible.
On the other hand are the fears of dangers such as accidents and the enormous challenge of disposing nuclear waste that could strongly speak against nuclear power.
The industry is struggling to quickly reverse a profound stagnation that has occurred since the boom years of the 1970s and 1980s. The accidents in Fukushima in 2011 and Chernobyl in 1986 led to tightening of regulations and also to a broad public discussion of possible risks involved in civilian use of nuclear power.
Some industrial nations, such as Germany, even declared an end to the generation of nuclear power.
Yet, oil and gas prices are increasing, along with coal, which could again favor the economics of nuclear power. The average age of operational nuclear power plants around the world is currently 25.5 years.
At present, 52 reactors are under construction. Most of the current activity ― 30 reactors ― is taking place in just four countries: China, India, South-Korea and as representative of the Arctic: Russia. Finland is also planning the construction of a new reactor.
The Russian reactors are somewhat experimental as they are conceptualized as floating reactors on platforms in the High North, providing energy to planned new settlements and large scale projects in oil and gas extraction.
The planned reactor in Finland is a new generation Areva Evolutionary Power Reactors (EPR).
Sources:The Center For International Governance InnovationWorld Nuclear News
