Insights into nuclear power generation in Asia: India poised for a massive push; Japan reboots old reactors.

Twelve years ago, the Fukushima nuclear disaster triggered fear towards #nuclear #energy, leading to a significant decline in Japan’s nuclear power production, from 288 TWh in 2010 down to 56 TWh in 2022. However, it did not hinder nuclear growth in the neighbouring countries. Between 2010 and 2022, nuclear electricity generation surged from 74 TWh to 417 TWh in China, and it increased from 149 TWh to 176 TWh in South Korea. In the meantime, India has placed nuclear as a top priority of its energy policy. Indeed, there is a huge energy demand to fulfil given the population rise (India now surpasses China with 1.43 billion inhabitants) and the boom of the economy (more than 6% annual growth expected over the decade).

In early July, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved the discharge of Japanese nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, sparking controversy. Despite this, the ongoing global energy crisis is fostering a revival for nuclear power generation in Asia.?

As Europe and the US might gradually decommission #nuclearplants, Asia is poised to become the major player in global nuclear power generation in the coming decades.

Back in June, Japan allowed #nuclearreactors to expand operations beyond the initial 60-year limit. The country is set to restart reactors from this summer on. Additionally, plans to build advanced reactors have been unveiled. Meanwhile, China already has 55 reactors in operation (53 GW capacity) and aims to double its fleet, with 23 reactors under construction and 45 in the planning stage.

India and Pakistan are also heavily investing in nuclear #powerplants. Pakistan has granted an operating license to the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) for a unit of its Karachi plant, and a $4.8bn deal was signed in June for the construction of a fifth reactor at Chashma site. In early July, India’s first domestically designed reactor (700 MW capacity) began operating in western India after 13 years of construction. The country intends to build 16 more reactors in the foreseeable future.

Over the long term, our EnerFuture EnerBlue scenario (based on NDCs achievement) suggests that #nucleargeneration will continue to grow sharply in Asia. By 2050, India’s nuclear generation is projected to reach a massive value of 1900 TWh, making it the top global player, accounting for 35% of the world’s total and representing 25% of the country’s power mix. China’s #nuclearcapacities are expected to grow in proportion to its electricity needs, remaining capped at around 5% of the #powermix. Japan and South Korea also remain committed to #nuclearenergy. It should represent approximately 12% and 20% of their respective power mixes by 2050.

Overall, the four largest Asian economies are expected to account for more than half of the global nuclear capacities by 2050, with countries like Pakistan or Bangladesh also contributing to the nuclear push, albeit to a lesser extent.?