This publication provides an update on the current status of nuclear power and prospects for its contribution, together with other low carbon energy sources, to ambitious mitigation strategies that will help the world limit global warming to 1.5°C in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement. Since 2000, the IAEA has issued such information and analysis regularly, in order to support those Member States that choose to include nuclear power in their energy system as well as those considering other strategies. The focus of the 2020 publication is on the significant potential of nuclear energy, integrated in a low carbon energy system, to contribute to the 1.5°C climate change mitigation target, and the challenges of realizing this potential. Energy system and market related factors affecting the transition to a low carbon energy system are reviewed. This edition also outlines developments needed to realize the large scale capacity increase required to rapidly decarbonize the global energy system in line with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

• SUMMARY
• 1. INTRODUCTION
  • 1.1. Background
  • 1.2. Objective
  • 1.3. Scope
  • 1.4. Structure
• 2. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY
  • 2.1. Trends, targets and challenges for mitigation
    • 2.1.1. Energy accounts for most emissions, with electricity driving growth
    • 2.1.2. Rapid decarbonization of energy is needed to limit warming to 1.5°C
    • 2.1.3. Trends in energy demand create challenges and opportunities
  • 2.2. Energy technologies for the low carbon transition
    • 2.2.1. Nuclear power and hydroelectricity have the lowest life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of electricity generating technologies
    • 2.2.2. Material use shapes the emissions footprint of low carbon electricity technologies
    • 2.2.3. Low carbon technologies vary in their contribution to a reliable electricity system
    • 2.2.4. Low carbon generation technologies are increasingly competitive, but sensitive to financial risk
  • 2.3. The potential of nuclear power for climate change mitigation
    • 2.3.1. Low carbon nuclear power has slowed growth in global emissions
    • 2.3.2. Nuclear power can play a larger role in ambitious decarbonization
    • 2.3.3. Unlocking nuclear power’s potential: Insights from 1.5°C pathways
  • 2.4. Nuclear power: The state of play
    • 2.4.1. Global trends in the nuclear fleet provide a base for scaling up action
    • 2.4.2. Many countries are constructing and planning new nuclear power plants
    • 2.4.3. Nuclear power is increasingly recognized in national climate plans
• 3. LOW CARBON ENERGY SYSTEMS
  • 3.1. Integrating low carbon technologies in the power system
    • 3.1.1. A mix of technologies can ensure a reliable and competitive low carbon electricity system
    • 3.1.2. Flexible operation of nuclear power plants is valuable in a low carbon electricity system
  • 3.2. Beyond electricity: Hydrogen and other energy carriers
    • 3.2.1. Other low carbon energy carriers will complement electricity in full decarbonization
    • 3.2.2. Nuclear power can be used for large scale production of low carbon hydrogen
  • 3.3. Policy and regulatory instruments for the transition to low carbon electricity systems
    • 3.3.1. Strengthened policy frameworks and reformed market designs can foster the low carbon transition
    • 3.3.2. Carbon pricing is increasingly recognized as the cornerstone of mitigation policy
    • 3.3.3. Coordination, flexibility and transparency are key to effective policy making
  • 3.4. Low carbon finance: Upscaling and diversification
  • 3.5. Climate-proofing energy infrastructure
• 4. REALIZING THE MITIGATION POTENTIAL OF NUCLEAR POWER
  • 4.1. Deployment of new nuclear capacity
    • 4.1.1. Effective planning and partnerships can reduce costs and construction times in new nuclear power projects
    • 4.1.2. De-risking nuclear projects can unlock access to financing
    • 4.1.3. Construction capability and supply chains will be critical
  • 4.2. Extended operation of existing nuclear power plants
  • 4.3. Deployment viability of small modular reactors: Markets and economics
  • 4.4. Improved understanding through stakeholder involvement
• AppendixIPCC ILLUSTRATIVE 1.5°C PATHWAYS AND NUCLEAR POWER IN SR15: ASSUMPTIONS AND DRIVERS
• REFERENCES
• ABBREVIATIONS
• CONTRIBUTORS TO DRAFTING AND REVIEW