World Nuclear Performance Report 2019
Asia Edition Launched at Singapore International Energy Week Title: World Nuclear Performance Report 2019 – Asia Edition Produced by: World Nuclear Association Published: October 2019 Report No. 2019/010
Cover image: EDF
World Nuclear Association is grateful to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for access to its Power Reactor Information System (PRIS) database, used in the preparation of this report.
© 2019 World Nuclear Association. Registered in England and Wales, company number 01215741
This report reflects the views of industry experts but does not necessarily represent those of the World Nuclear Association’s individual member organizations. Contents
Preface 3
1. Asia Update 4
2. Recent Industry Highlights 13
3. Nuclear Industry Performance 16
4. Case Studies Fifty years of operation achieved by five reactors 28 The Akademik Lomonosov Floating Nuclear Power Plant 32 Refurbishment of Darlington Nuclear Power Plant 34
5. Director General’s Concluding Remarks 36
6. Status Update to 31 July 2019 38
Abbreviations 39
Geographical Categories 39
Further Reading 40
1
Preface
The world’s nuclear reactors made a growing contribution to supplying clean and reliable electricity in 2018. Global nuclear generation was 2563 TWh, up 61 TWh on the previous year.
At the end of 2018 the capacity of the world’s 449 operable reactors was 397 GWe, up 4 GWe on the previous year. Nine new reactors were connected to the grid, with a combined capacity of 10.4 GWe. Seven reactors were closed down in 2018, with a combined capacity of 5.4 GWe. Of these, four are Japanese reactors that had not generated since 2011, and a fifth, Chinshan ,1 had Agneta Rising not generated since 2015, so these closures had minimal impact on overall Director General electricity generation in 2018. Four reactors in Japan, with a combined capacity World Nuclear Association of 5.6 GWe, were given approval to restart.
The number of reactors under construction at the end of 2018 was 55, with construction starts on five reactors, compared to the nine that have been connected to the grid following completion of construction.
In Asia, nuclear generation rose by more than 10%, to reach 533 TWh, now more than one-fifth of global generation. In China, the first AP1000 andPR E reactors began commercial operation, alongside Russian VVER V-428M and Chinese ACPR-1000 reactors. Although the four reactors gaining approval to restart in Japan brought the total number to nine, the pace of progress to restarting more reactors remains slow, continuing Japan’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The median construction time in 2018 was eight-and-a-half years; this was primarily due to the start-up of reactors utilizing new designs. The average construction time for reactors in recent years has been around five-to-six years. We should see construction times return to more typical recent durations in 2019.
Construction started on the first of four planned units at Akkuyu in urkey,T and the first formal start of construction in West & Central Europe since 2007 began at Hinkley Point C, with first concrete poured for the first of two EPR units.
In Russia preparations on the first floating nuclear power plant continued, with both reactors on board the Akademik Lomonosov reaching first criticality. The vessel should be installed at Pevek later this year.
Reactors in the USA produced more electricity in 2018 than in any previous year, with 808 TWh generated. One reactor retired, Oyster Creek, despite being licensed for an additional ten years of operation, because revised water use rules would require construction of cooling towers. While some US states have introduced schemes that support nuclear generation by recognizing the value of its clean, low-carbon generation, elsewhere other reactors are under threat from distorted and challenging market conditions.
The world’s nuclear plants continue to perform excellently. Growth is strong, with more than 20 new reactors scheduled to be connected before the end of 2020. However, for the industry to reach the Harmony goal of supplying at least 25% of the world’s electricity before 2050, much greater commitment from policy-makers will be required.
3 1 Asia Update
Figure 1. Asia nuclear electricity production
600 Japan South Korea 500 China, ainland Taiwan, China 400 Armenia Kazakhstan Iran 300 TWh Pakistan India 200
100
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1970197219741976197 19 019 219 419 619 1990199219941996199 2000200220042006200 2010201220142016201 Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA Power Reactor Information Service (PRIS)
In 2018 a total of 533 TWh of year, added more nuclear capacity electricity generated in Asia was to its grid than any other country from nuclear power. This was 12% worldwide. higher than the previous year, and 60% higher than in 2012. Nuclear Asia is a focus of new nuclear build, generation in Asia now represents and the region is likely to see a new 21% of total electricity generation. country begin generating electricity from nuclear in 2020 as the first unit The amount of electricity generated at Barakah, United Arab Emirates, from nuclear energy in Asia in 2018 begins operating. As of September is more than twice that of 30 years 2019, a total of 33 reactors are being ago. Excluding Japan, since 1988 built in Asia, across nine different nuclear generation has grown by countries. Both Bangladesh and a factor of more than 10, driven Turkey commenced construction of primarily by development of nuclear their first nuclear power plants in the energy in South Korea, mainland last two years. Proposals are under China and India. consideration in a number of other countries, including Saudi Arabia China faces the challenge of where provisional plans include two needing more electricity to power an large nuclear power plants as well as increasingly urbanized population small reactors for desalination. whilst addressing acute air pollution, which has emerged as the main Japan was the largest generator of environmental issue facing the nuclear electricity in Asia prior to the country in recent years. That dual Fukushima Daiichi accident in March challenge, coupled with an ongoing 2011. In 2010, over one-quarter of need to reduce greenhouse gas Japan’s electricity was generated emissions and improve reliability from nuclear energy, accounting for and security of supply, continues to just over half of all nuclear electricity highlight the unique value of nuclear generation in Asia. Since the energy to policymakers. China accident, reactors have been slow to in 2018, for the sixth consecutive return to service, which has resulted
4 in a very large impact on total nuclear Figure 2. Nuclear electricity production, China generation in Asia. The OECD 275 International Energy Agency has reported that the temporary shutdown 250 of reactors led to a significant rise in 225 fossil fuel use, increased fuel imports and higher carbon dioxide emissions. 200 The country’s energy policy is for 175 nuclear to provide 20-22% of total electricity generation by 2030. 150
TWh 125 China, Mainland 100 At the end of September 2019, China’s 48 operable nuclear reactors 75 had a net capacity of 45.5 GWe, 50 about 12% of the world’s nuclear capacity. 25
0 In 2018, the country connected a record 8.3 GWe of new nuclear 1994199519961997199 199920002001200220032004200520062007200 200920102011201220132014201520162017201 capacity – the second largest annual Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS increase achieved by a country since the advent of civil nuclear power. Of Operational performance generation is set to continue to rise. the nine reactors connected to the Nuclear generation in mainland The resumption of new construction grid worldwide in 2018, seven were in China has grown rapidly over the has started with the approval in 2019 China. Reactors were connected at last decade, with generation more for Zhangzhou 1&2, with 6-8 units Tianwan, Haiyang, Sanmen, Taishan than four times that of ten years ago. expected to start construction each and Yangjiang. Although a recent pause in the start year over the next decade as China of construction of new nuclear plants continues to seek to decarbonize its In June 2018, Taishan 1 became the may lead to a short-term slowing in economy. world’s first operating EPR, followed the growth of nuclear generation, in July by Sanmen 1, the first AP1000 with more capacity expected to be Plant performance in China is good, to supply electricity to a grid. So far in added over the coming decade with capacity factors rising to over 2019, China has connected Yangjiang 5, its first ACPR-1000, to the grid, and the second EPR unit at Taishan. Figure 3. Average nuclear capacity factor, China Notably, Yangjiang 5 took a period 100 of just four years and eight months to build. At the end of September 2019, the country had 8 GWe of new 0 capacity under construction – about one-sixth of the global total. 60
Despite the impressive growth of its % nuclear sector, a study from China’s 40 National Development and Reform Commission’s Energy Research 20 Institute in October 2018 concluded that a huge expansion in capacity 0 – to 554 GWe by 2050 – would be needed for the country to fulfil its 19931994199519961997199 199920002001200220032004200520062007200 200920102011201220132014201520162017201 climate obligations. Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS
5 83% in 2018, having dipped below Figure 4. Nuclear electricity production, Taiwan 80% in the previous two years. 45 Taiwan, China 40 Taiwan has four operable nuclear 35 power reactors – two each at the Kuosheng and Maanshan plants – 30 which account for around 15% of the 25 island’s electricity generation. They are
all operated by the utility Taipower. TWh 20
Two BWR reactors at Chinshan have 15 been shut down over the past 12 10 months due to a political phase-out decision, despite the fact this was 5 opposed in a public referendum. Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party 0 (DPP) was elected to government 19 919901991199219931994199519961997199 199920002001200220032004200520062007200 200920102011201220132014201520162017201 in January 2016 having a policy of Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS creating a “nuclear-free homeland” by 2025. Shortly after taking office, generated electricity since 2014. The Operational performance the DPP government passed an closure of Chinshan 2, which had Operating data for Taiwanese amendment to the Electricity Act, not generated electricity since 2017, reactors are only available from passing its phase-out policy into law. was announced in July 2019, with 1989, although the first of its reactors formal shut down to follow later in began operating in 1978. A referendum in November 2018 the year. asked voters whether they agreed Both electricity output and capacity with abolishing the stipulation that Construction of two ABWR units at factors increased in 2018, in part due “all nuclear energy-based power- Lungmen began in 1999, but the to the return to service of Kuosheng generating facilities shall completely project has been beset with political, 2, which had been offline since May cease operations by 2025”. In the legal and regulatory delays. The 2016. The average capacity factor was referendum a total of 5,895,560 votes completed unit 1 was mothballed in 79%, up from 71% in the previous year, were cast in favour of dropping the July 2015, while construction of unit 2 and electricity generated increased clause from the Electricity Act, while was suspended in April 2014. by more than 20% to 26.7 TWh. 4,014,215 voted to retain it. Figure 5. Average nuclear capacity factor, Taiwan
However, in February 2019, despite 100 this public opposition to the phase- out, the Minister of Economic Affairs Shen Jong-chin said there would be no 0 extension or restarts of nuclear power plants in Taiwan. Shen claimed that the 60 other requirement of the referendum, to reduce coal-fired generation output % by 1% year-on-year was achievable, 40 despite the nuclear phase-out policy. However, Shen warned there would 20 likely be power shortages from 2021 due to increasing demand. 0 Chinshan 1 was formally shut down 19 919901991199219931994199519961997199 199920002001200220032004200520062007200 200920102011201220132014201520162017201 in December 2018, but had not Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS
6 India Figure 6. Nuclear electricity production, India At the end of September 2019, India 40 had 22 operable reactors with a combined net capacity of 6.3 GWe. 35
India first constructed two BWR 30 reactors in 1969. Subsequently, India has mainly built pressurized 25 heavy water reactors (PHWRs), with 20 the first of these units, at Rajasthan, TWh coming into commercial operation 15 in 1973. Altogether, the country has commissioned two BWRs, 18 10 PHWRs, and two PWRs. 5 Following delays to the commissioning of a number of projects, India fell 0 about one-third short of its nuclear 197219741976197 19 019 219 419 619 1990199219941996199 2000200220042006200 2010201220142016201 generation target for the period 2012- Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS 2017, as stipulated in its 11th five-year governmental plan. However, the Operational performance country retains plans to significantly While operable capacity in India Capacity factors vary widely, with expand its nuclear power sector; in January 2019 the country’s minister is 6.3 GWe, neither Kakrapar 1 five reactors having capacity factors of state for the Department of Atomic nor Rajasthan 1, with a combined exceeding 90%, but four having Energy and the Prime Minister’s capacity of 292 MWe, generated capacity factors lower than 50%, Office told parliament that the country electricity in 2018. contributing to an overall average of planned to bring 21 more reactors 67.7%. online by 2031. These units will be Generation from India’s nuclear a mix of indigenous and imported plant in 2018 was slightly higher than reactor designs. in 2017, reaching 35.4 TWh.
In February 2019 India signed an MoU with Argentina with an eye to future cooperation in the civil nuclear field, and one month later, in March, India and the USA made a joint strategic Figure 7. Average nuclear capacity factor, India statement reaffirming plans to build 100 six US-designed nuclear power units in India. Earlier in July 2018 the 0 country’s minister of state informed parliament that talks were ongoing with EDF for the construction of six 60 EPRs at Jaitapur (in addition to the six % US units at Kovvada); and in October 40 2018 Russia and India signed an agreement to build six nuclear units at a new site in the country. 20
At the end of September 2019, 0 India had seven reactors under construction, with a combined 197219741976197 19 019 219 419 619 1990199219941996199 2000200220042006200 2010201220142016201 capacity of 4.8 GWe. Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS
7 Iran Figure 8. Nuclear electricity production, Iran Iran’s first nuclear power reactor 7 at Bushehr started commercial operation in September 2013. In 2018 6 it achieved a capacity factor of 79% and supplied 6.3 TWh of electricity. 5 Two further reactors are planned for the Bushehr site and site works 4 for construction of unit 2 started in
March 2017. Rosatom subsidiary TWh AtomStroyExport (ASE) is the 3 contractor. The units are being constructed on a turnkey basis, and 2 are due to enter operation in the mid- 2020s. Water scarcity is a growing problem in Iran, and the project will 1 include two desalination plants. 0 In May 2018 US President Trump 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 201 terminated the USA’s participation in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS Action (JCPOA). Under the terms of the plan, Iran agreed to limit commercial operations two years fuel assemblies with its more its uranium enrichment activities, later, reaching 6.4 TWh in 2017, advanced TVS-2M fuel design in eliminate its stockpile of medium- compared to an eventual target of 2020. The new-generation TVS-2M enriched uranium and limit its 7 TWh. However, in 2018 annual assemblies have higher uranium stockpile of low enriched uranium output of the Bushehr plant dipped capacity, fuel burn-up, and in-pile over the next 15 years. The agreement marginally to 6.3 TWh, achieving a robustness than UTVS fuel, meaning cleared the way for the lifting of capacity factor of 78.6%. the change will improve the technical nuclear-related economic sanctions and economic performance of the imposed against Iran. The other Contracts were signed in 2018 for unit, as well as reduce the amount parties to the agreement, Iran, China, Russian nuclear fuel manufacturer of used nuclear fuel it produces, France, Germany, Russia, the UK plus TVEL to replace the current UTVS according to TVEL. the European Union, indicated they would continue with the agreement. Figure 9. Average nuclear capacity factor, Iran
100 In July 2019, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency 0 (IAEA), Iran had been enriching UF6 above the 3.67% U-235 limit stipulated in the JCPOA at its Fuel Enrichment 60 Plant at Natanz. At the time, the remaining parties to the JCPOA did not % intend to invoke the deal’s mechanism 40 to punish non-compliance. 20 Operational performance Performance of Iran’s first nuclear 0 power reactor had steadily improved since its grid connection 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 201 in September 2011 and start of Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS
8 Japan Figure 10. Nuclear electricity production, Japan As of September 2019, Japan has 350 33 operable reactors, but most have been offline since the Fukushima 300 Daiichi accident in 2011. 250 At the end of 2017, just four of Japan’s operable reactors were online; by June 200 2018 nine were operating. Applications for the restart of more than half of the TWh 150 remaining operable reactors have been submitted and are being assessed. 100
The restart of five reactors in 2018 50 demonstrated the economic, security and environmental value of nuclear power for Japan. Following the restart 0 of its Ohi 3&4 reactors, reduced fuel 1970197219741976197 19 019 219 419 619 1990199219941996199 2000200220042006200 2010201220142016201 costs allowed Kansai Electric Power Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS Company (Kepco) to cut its electricity prices for customers by more than Operational performance 5% on average. As a result of the The restart of five reactors in 2018 additional electricity generated by the contributed to a significant increase five reactors restarted in 2018, Japan’s in nuclear generation, with output liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports at 49.3 TWh, compared to 29.3 dropped by over 8% in the first six TWh in 2017. However, this remains months of 2019 and its coal imports for significantly lower than 280.5 TWh power generation dropped by over 2%. generated in 2010, prior to the accident at Fukushima. Recognizing the importance of nuclear energy to Japan, Prime Minister Up to the end of September there Shinzo Abe has said that he wants have been no further reactor restarts nuclear power to provide at least in 2019. 20% of the country’s energy by 2030. However the rate of reactor restarts continues to be slow as a result of Figure 11. Average nuclear capacity factor, Japan judicial rulings and local consent 100 issues. Most recently, in May 2018, Japan’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) ordered Kepco to “backfit” 0 seven of its reactors based on a new analysis of the potential eruption of a 60 dormant volcano, Mt. Daisen. All of the affected reactors had previously % cleared compatibility examinations 40 based on new regulatory standards. A month earlier, the NRA announced 20 it would not extend deadlines for utilities building facilities to meet 0 new anti-terrorism guidelines. The ruling could potentially see restarted 1970197219741976197 19 019 219 419 619 1990199219941996199 2000200220042006200 2010201220142016201 reactors temporarily shut down. Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS
9 Pakistan Figure 12. Nuclear electricity production, Pakistan Pakistan has five operable nuclear 10 reactors with a combined net capacity of 1.3 GWe: Karachi 1, a 137 9 MWe PHWR that started commercial operation in 1972; Chashma 1&2, both 325 MWe PWR units, in commercial operation since 2000 and 7 2011 respectively; and two Chinese- supplied 340 MWe PWR units, 6 Chashma 3&4. 5 TWh The main construction contract for Chashma 3&4 was signed in June 4 2010, detailing that the two CNP-300 units were to be completed within 3 eight years. Construction of unit 3 officially started at the end of May 2 2011, and unit 4 in December 2011, and they entered into service in 1 December 2016 and September 2017 respectively, significantly ahead of 0
schedule. At the opening of Chashma 1971197319751977197919 119 319 519 719 919911993199519971999200120032005200720092011201320152017 4, the prime minister reiterated the Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS country’s commitment to adding 8.8 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2030. Operational performance The country currently has two 1160 The variable capacity factors prior in 2018 was 80%, on a par with the MWe Hualong One units under to 2000 reflect that only one reactor, global average, and marginally higher construction at the Karachi site – the Karachi 1, was in operation at that than in 2017. Generation in 2018 rose first exports of China’s Hualong time. Subsequent reactors have to 9.3 TWh, up from 8.1 TWh in 2017, One design. Construction of the achieved much higher capacity as Chashma 4 completed its first full first unit started in August 2015 factors. In 2018 the national average year of operations. and is expected to take 72 months (52 months for the conventional island). Construction of the second Figure 13. Average nuclear capacity factor, Pakistan unit started at the end of May 2016. CNNC has installed the reactor 100 pressure vessels for both units – in October 2017 for unit 2, and in 0 September 2018 for unit 3. In January 2019 the installation of reactor internals were completed on unit 2, 60
and its steel containment dome was % installed in June. 40
20
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1971197319751977197919 119 319 519 719 919911993199519971999200120032005200720092011201320152017 Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS
10 South Korea Figure 14. Nuclear electricity production, South Korea As of September 2019, South Korea 160 has 24 operable reactors with a total net capacity of 23.1 GWe. 140 120 In April 2019, Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) connected 100 the country’s second APR1400, Shin 0
Kori 4, to the grid. The country has a TWh further four APR1400 reactors under 60 construction. Additional seismic assessment work in response to 40 the September 2016 Gyeongju 20 earthquake has affected planned commissioning dates. Shin Hanul 1 0 is expected to be the next reactor to 197 19 0 19 2 19 4 19 6 19 1990 1992 1994 1996 199 2000 2002 2004 2006 200 2010 2012 2014 2016 201 enter into service (in 2020), which will Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS see the country’s operable nuclear capacity rise to a record 24 GWe. Despite the domestic challenges, Operational performance South Korea currently generates South Korea’s nuclear industry Nuclear electricity generation about one-quarter of its electricity continues to export successfully, declined for the third successive year from nuclear power, with a mixture completing the construction of in South Korea, in part due to the of imported coal and gas used to the first of four APR1400 reactors closure announcement for Wolsong generate the balance. Despite the in United Arab Emirates (UAE), in 1, as well as in part due to a further importance of nuclear in South March 2018. UAE has agreed to fall in the national average capacity Korea, President Moon Jae-in, work with South Korea in its efforts factor to 69.7%, the first time since elected in May 2017, made an to win orders for nuclear units in 1986 that the national average has election pledge to phase out Saudi Arabia. been below 70%. the country’s use of nuclear energy. Following his issuance of an administrative order to halt construction of units 5&6 at Shin Kori, KHNP took the decision to halt construction. However in October 2017, a government-convened Figure 15. Average nuclear capacity factor, South Korea citizens’ jury voted 59.5% in favour 100 of completing the units. President Moon accepted the decision, but has said that no more new plants 0 should be built. Construction restarted on unit 5 in October 60 2017, and commenced on unit 6 in September 2018. % 40 In August 2018 KHNP restarted Hanbit 3 and Hanul 2 early after 20 planned outages in order to meet growing demand during a heatwave. 0 The maintenance schedule for Hanbit 1 and Hanul 1 was delayed for the 197 19 019 219 419 619 1990199219941996199 2000200220042006200 2010201220142016201 same reason. Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS
11 New Entrants of Russia, and in April 2019, Egypt’s Nuclear Regulation and Radiological United Arab Emirates Authority granted site approval. Construction of unit 1 of UAE’s first nuclear power plant, Barakah, was Jordan officially completed in March 2018, Jordan is considering the use of however start-up has been deferred small modular reactors (SMRs) after to 2020 to complete operator training cancelling in June 2018 its plans to and obtain regulatory approvals. In build two large VVER-1000 units. The May 2018, the Department of Energy Jordan Atomic Energy Commission issued an electricity generation licence (JAEC) has signed multiple for Barakah 1, and in March 2019, agreements to explore the feasibility the Federal Authority for Nuclear of SMR deployment, including with Regulation (FANR) stated that it was Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah City near finishing its review of licence for Atomic and Renewable Energy, application documents submitted by Rolls-Royce, Rusatom Overseas and ENEC in 2015. In July, FANR officially NuScale. certified 15 reactor operators – a key requirement prior to the issue of the plant’s operating licence. Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is planning to build Turkey two large nuclear power reactors, Turkey began construction of its first and has plans for small reactors nuclear reactor in April 2018, and for desalination. The country in March 2019 the first significant has solicited information from construction milestone was reached, five vendors from China, France, with the completion of concreting Russia, South Korea and the USA. work for the reactor’s basemat. It In November 2018 a contract was is the first of four VVER-1200 units awarded to Worley Parsons to planned for the Akkuyu nuclear plant. provide wide-ranging consultancy services for the Saudi National Bangladesh Atomic Energy Project. In September 2019, South Korea and Saudi Bangladesh has two Russian- Arabia agreed to collaborate on the supplied nuclear reactors under commercialization of the Korean- construction. First concrete for designed SMART reactor, with plans Roopur 1 was poured in November to construct the first such unit in 2017, and in July 2019 for Roopur 2. Saudi Arabia. In August 2019 installation of the core catcher began for unit 1. Uzbekistan In September 2018 Uzbekistan and Russia signed an agreement for the Emerging Countries construction by Russian state nuclear Egypt corporation Rosatom of two VVER- Egypt plans to host four VVER-1200 1200 reactors. In May 2019, Rosatom units at El Dabaa. In December 2017, and UzAtom signed a contract to notices to proceed with contracts for perform engineering surveys for the construction of the nuclear power the planned units, and in July the plant were signed in the presence country’s energy minister announced of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of the country wants to build four units Egypt and President Vladimir Putin and not just two as previously stated.
12 Recent Industry 2 Highlights
In 2018, construction started on were brought up to 100% capacity. new reactors in Turkey and the The plant is scheduled to be UK, strengthening the trend of an connected to the grid in December increasing number of countries 2019 in Pevek, where it is replacing choosing nuclear energy to help meet the outgoing capacities of the their future energy needs. Bilibino nuclear power plant and the Chaunskaya combined heat and The need for the reliable, predictable power plant. and clean electricity generated by nuclear has never been greater The strength of Russia’s nuclear and, worldwide, that is reflected industry is reflected in its dominance in the growing number of new of export markets for new reactors. build programmes underway. In In April 2018, Russia began building the emerging, industrial and high- Turkey’s first nuclear power plant, and growth markets of China and India, in December 2018, Tianwan 4 was demand for reliable electricity that connected to the grid in China – the does not pollute the air necessitates fourth Russian-designed reactor to continued growth in investment in be deployed in that country. In June nuclear power. 2018, contracts were signed with China for the construction of four However, a number of factors – both further VVER units in the country. In internal and external – are creating India at Kudankulam, two Russian- profound challenges for nuclear designed VVER units are in operation, power in some of its most mature two are under construction and a markets. Of the 449 reactors that were further two are planned. In October operable at the end of 2018, over half 2018, Russia and India signed an were in the USA and Europe where, agreement looking towards the despite the vital importance of nuclear serial construction of further units to achieving sustainable energy at another site in India. Of the 47 goals, reactor retirements continue to reactors under construction outside outpace capacity additions. of Russia at the end of 2018, nine were Russian-designed. Europe (East) & Russia In Bulgaria, following the licence Rostov 4 and Leningrad II-1 were extension of Kozloduy 5 in November connected to the grid in Russia in 2017, the country’s parliament in February and March 2018. The two June 2018 mandated the energy units were the first to be connected minister to resume the search for since Novovoronezh II-1 in August investors in the stalled Belene project. 2016. In April 2019 first concrete was Similar progress was made in Poland poured for unit 1 of the Kursk II plant, too, where the energy ministry and in May 2019, the second unit of released its draft energy policy in Novovoronezh II began supplying November 2018, outlining 6-9 GWe of electricity to Russia’s grid. nuclear power to be online by 2043. A significant number of other European Earlier in May 2018, Russia marked countries are looking to build new a significant milestone in the nuclear reactors, including Czech completion of construction of its Republic, Hungary and Romania. first floating nuclear power plant, Akademik Lomonosov, with the power ship leaving Saint Petersburg to be Europe (West & Central) towed to Murmansk for fuelling. In France confirmed it had postponed March 2019 the plant’s two reactors plans to reduce nuclear power’s
13 relative share in its electricity was officially completed in March Exceptional generation mix from 75% to 50%. In 2018, however start-up has been November 2018 President Macron deferred to 2020 to complete operational stated that the new target date was operator training and obtain 2035, and that a total of 14 reactors regulatory approvals. In May 2018 performance of 900 MWe capacity will be shut the Department of Energy issued saw the USA’s down. Earlier, in April 2018, President an electricity generation licence Macron stated in an address to the for Barakah 1, and in March 2019, nuclear sector European Parliament that France’s the Federal Authority for Nuclear energy strategy had one top priority: Regulation stated that it was near supply a record to reduce emissions. First fuel is now finishing its review of licence expected to be loaded into France’s application documents submitted by 808 TWh of one reactor under construction, ENEC in 2015. Flamanville 3, in the fourth quarter clean, low-carbon of 2019. Turkey began construction of its first nuclear reactor in April 2018, and electricity in 2018 Seven nuclear reactors remain in in March 2019 the first significant operation in Germany, and in 2018 construction milestone was reached, they generated about 12% of the with the completion of concreting country’s electricity. Some frequently work for the reactor’s basemat. It operate in load-following mode, is the first of four VVER-1200 units accommodating the country’s push planned for the Akkuyu nuclear plant. for variable renewable sources and coping with the negative pricing that Saudi Arabia is planning to build often results. two large nuclear power reactors, and has plans for small reactors Germany set itself the target of for desalination. The country reducing greenhouse gas emissions has solicited information from by 40% by 2020 relative to 1990 five vendors from China, France, levels. As it has become clear that Russia, South Korea and the USA. the target will be widely missed, the In November 2018 a contract was government has faced increasing awarded to Worley Parsons to calls to postpone its plans to phase provide wide-ranging consultancy out nuclear power. services for the Saudi National Atomic Energy Project. At the beginning of 2018, Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) Egypt plans to host four VVER-1200 reached an agreement with French units at El Dabaa. In December Areva and German Siemens in the 2017, notices to proceed with long-running dispute over cost contracts for the construction of the overruns and delays to the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant were signed 3 EPR project in Finland. TVO now in the presence of President Abdel expects fuel loading in 2019. Fattah El Sisi of Egypt and President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and in April In the UK, first concrete was poured 2019, Egypt’s Nuclear Regulation for unit 1 of Hinkley Point C in and Radiological Authority granted December 2018, marking the official site approval. start of construction. North America Middle East and Africa The number of operable reactors in Construction of unit 1 of the UAE’s the USA stood at 98 at the end of first nuclear power plant, Barakah, 2018, one lower than a year earlier
14 following the closure of Oyster Creek. In Canada, all but one of 19 power South America Whilst the total number of operable reactors are in Ontario. Ten of those In Argentina, the Embalse nuclear reactors has fallen from a high of units – six units at Bruce, and four power plant resumed commercial 104 in 2012, exceptional operational units at Darlington – are to undergo operation in June 2019 following a performance saw the USA’s nuclear refurbishment, extending operating three-year upgrade programme. The sector supply a record 808 TWh of lifetimes by 30-35 years. In March work will allow the plant to continue electricity in 2018. 2018, the first of the four units to operating for another 30 years. undergo refurbishment at Darlington, Despite its laudable operational unit 2, reached an important milestone In Brazil, the IAEA concluded a performance, the challenges faced with removal of the final calandria tube long-term operational safety review by the nuclear sector in the USA – from the reactor’s core. The rebuilding of Angra 1 in May 2018 as operator related primarily to low natural gas work on the core began in June 2018, Eletronuclear continues preparations prices, as well as market liberalization and was completed, on schedule, in to extend the reactor’s operating and subsidization of renewables – April 2019. lifetime to 60 years. In June 2018, persist. However, that has had the a MoU was signed with EDF with positive effect of highlighting the Interest in the on- and off-grid an eye to resuming construction sector’s unique value to both state applications of SMR technology in at Angra 3 – and in April 2019, the and national-level decision-makers. Canada is notable. Canadian Nuclear Minister for Mines and Energy, Bento In April 2018, New Jersey established Laboratories has set a goal of siting an Albuquerque, reiterated the country’s a zero emissions certificate (ZEC) SMR on its Chalk River site by 2026, commitment to the project. programme that will compensate and in April 2018 invited proponents nuclear power plants for their zero- to evaluate the construction and carbon attributes and contribution operation of a demonstration SMR to fuel diversity. In April 2019, the at that site. In March 2019, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission awarded the state’s first ZECs to received the first licence application the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear – submitted by Global First Power, power plants. A similar scheme with support from OPG and Ultra Safe established in late-2016 in New Nuclear Corporation – for an SMR at York enabled Exelon to invest in Chalk River. refuelling and maintenance work at three of the state’s nuclear plants (Fitzpatrick, Ginna and Nine Mile Point) during 2017. In Ohio, in July 2019, lawmakers introduced a draft clean energy bill that will provide credits to zero emission producers, including the state’s at-risk nuclear power plants.
At national level, the current administration has been vocal in its support of the country’s nuclear industry. The US Department of Energy (DOE) has called for market reforms to protect the attributes of resiliency and reliability provided by those technologies able to supply baseload electricity. In addition, the DOE has provided support to the owners of the Vogtle plant under construction, in the form of loan guarantees. Control panel of Leningrad II-1 (Image: Rosenergoatom/ Dmitry Chubar)
15 3 Nuclear Industry Performance
West & Central North America Europe 915.7 (+4.3) TWh 811.4 (+2.7) TWh 2.2 (+0) GWe 5.7 (+1.6) GWe
Global nuclear generation and construction South America 21.2 (+0.7) TWh Generation in 2018 1.3 (+0) GWe (change from 2017)
Capacity under construction 2018 (change from 2017)
Nuclear industry performance indicators 2018 (change from 2017)
79.8% (-1.3%) 2563 TWh (+61 TWh) 9 (+5) Global mean capacity factor Electricity generated in 2018 New reactors
Capacity factor consistently high, 10.4 GWe addition is between 78-83% over the last 20 years Sixth consecutive year output has increased highest since 1990
16 East Europe & Russia 270.9 (+0.4) TWh 8.8 (-1.0) GWe
Asia 533.0 (+56.3) TWh 38.3 (-4.1) GWe
Africa 10.6 (-4.5) TWh
4 GWe (+2 GWe) 103 months (+55 months) Net increase in operable capacity Median construction period for new reactors starting in 2018 397 GWe total operable capacity highest ever Increase due to high proportion of new reactor designs global total entering service
17 3.1 Global highlights Nuclear reactors generated a total of 2563 TWh of electricity in 2018, up from 2502 TWh in 2017. This is the sixth successive year that nuclear generation has risen, with output 217 TWh higher than in 2012.
Figure 1. Nuclear electricity production
3000 West Central Europe South America 2500 North America East Europe Russia 2000 Asia Africa 1500 TWh
1000
500
0
1970 1972 1974 1976 197 19 0 19 2 19 4 19 6 19 1990 1992 1994 1996 199 2000 2002 2004 2006 200 2010 2012 2014 2016 201 Source: World Nuclear Association and IAEA Power Reactor Information Service (PRIS)
In 2018 the peak total net capacity of nuclear power in operation reached 402 GWe, up from 394 GWe in 2017. The end of year capacity for 2018 was 397 GWe, up from 393 GWe in 2017.
Usually only a small fraction of operable nuclear capacity does not generate electricity in a calendar year. However, since 2011, the majority of the Japanese reactor fleet has been awaiting restart. Four Japanese reactors were restarted in 2018, joining the five reactors that had restarted in previous years.
Figure 2. Nuclear generation capacity operable (net)
450 Not operating Operating 400
350
300
250
GWe 200
150
100
50
0
1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 19 1 19 3 19 5 19 7 19 9 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 Source: World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS
18 In 2018, nuclear generation rose in Asia, East Europe & Russia, North America, South America and West & Central Europe. Generation fell in Africa, which has Global capacity only two reactors operating, in South Africa. at the end of Figure 3. Regional generation 2018 was 397 1200 GWe, up from 1000 393 GWe