2 May (NucNet): Nuclear energy could have a 15% share of the global energy mix by 2040 – and increase of around 5% - with power generation “all but decarbonised” and renewables providing more than 60% of supply, says a new report from five international agencies.
The report says that in a “sustainable development scenario” low-carbon sources double their share in the energy mix to 40% in 2040, all avenues to improve efficiency are pursued, coal demand goes into an immediate decline, and oil consumption peaks soon thereafter.
The scenario would involve the introduction of policy objectives such as universal access to modern energy services by 2030; to substantially reduce the air pollution that causes deaths and illness; and to take action to combat climate change.
According to the International Atomic Nuclear Energy Agency, nuclear’s global share of the generation mix in 2016 was just under 10%. Total world electricity generation was 24,816 terawatt-hours and nuclear generation was 2,477 TWh.
The report, published today says, the world is not on track to meet the global energy targets for 2030, but real progress is being made in certain areas, particularly expansion of access to electricity in least developed countries, and industrial energy efficiency.
According to the report, one billion people – or 13% of the world’s population – still live without electricity. Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and South Asia continue to be the areas of the world with the largest access deficits. Almost 87% of the world’s people without electricity live in rural areas.
As of 2015, the world obtained 17.5% of its total final energy consumption from renewable sources, of which 9.6% represents modern forms of renewable energy such as geothermal, hydropower, solar and wind. The remainder is traditional uses of biomass (such as fuelwood and charcoal).
Based on current policies, the renewable share is expected to reach just 21% by 2030, with modern renewables growing to 15%, falling short of the substantial increase demanded by climate targets.
The report is online: http://trackingsdg7.esmap.org
