Percentage change in annual nuclear energy consumption by select country, 2022
Energy Institute
20 Feb 2024
Nuclear energy holds significant influence in the UAE's energy mix, making up 25% of its total consumption. The UAE also saw the highest global growth in nuclear energy consumption in 2022, with a 90% increase, while Iran and Pakistan followed with 85% and 42% respectively. Conversely, Germany experienced a sharp decline of 44.2%. The UAE's nuclear energy consumption increased in 2022 with the activation of Unit 1 and Unit 2 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in April 2021 and March 2022 respectively. In contrast, Germany's consumption plummeted due to the shutdown of eight reactors in 2022, emphasizing safety measures and minimizing high-level radioactive waste. After 12 months of record-breaking temperatures, April 2024 proved to be the hottest April on record. In an effort to boost nuclear energy consumption, Southern Co's Vogtle Unit 4, the US's first large-scale nuclear reactor in decades, commenced commercial operation following significant delays. The director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), anticipates a rise in nuclear energy's share to 20% to 25% of global electricity production over the next two decades globally, with over 20 countries committed to tripling their nuclear capacities.
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