The International Energy Agency has said that nuclear energy is set to make a global comeback, given an increasing electricity demand.

This is according to a study released on Thursday by the agency.

Interest in nuclear energy is greater than it has been since the oil crisis of the 1970s, with more than 40 countries seeking to expand nuclear energy, the IEA report said.

The increase in demand for electricity comes from traditional sectors such as industry and new areas such as electric cars, data centres, and power artificial intelligence.

According to the IEA, electricity generation from the global fleet of almost 420 reactors will reach a new peak this year.

“It’s clear today that the strong comeback for nuclear energy that the IEA predicted several years ago is well underway, with nuclear set to generate a record level of electricity in 2025,’’ it said.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol made this known.

“In addition to this, more than 70 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity are under construction globally, one of the highest levels in the last 30 years.

“More than 40 countries around the world have plans to expand nuclear’s role in their energy systems,’’ he said.

Mr Birol pointed to small modular reactors in particular as offering “exciting growth potential.’’

Nuclear power accounts for almost 10 per cent of global electricity generation and is the second-largest source of low-emission electricity after hydropower.

(dpa/NAN)