What is nuclear fission? Nuclear fission is a reaction where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, while releasing energy. For instance, when hit by a neutron, the nucleus of an atom of uranium-235 splits into two smaller nuclei, for example a barium nucleus and a krypton nucleus and two or three neutrons.
Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy. Fusion reactions take place in a state of matter called plasma — a hot, charged gas made of positive ions and free-moving electrons with unique properties distinct from solids, liquids or gases.
Here are six key trends from the Nuclear Power Status in 2025 that show how nuclear energy uptake is evolving: 1. Global Nuclear Capacity can Increase by more than double by 2050 According to the IAEA projections, global nuclear power capacity could double by 2050 — reaching between 561 GW (e) (low estimate) and 992 GW (e) (high estimate).
Nuclear energy was in the spotlight in 2024 as the IAEA and the Government of Belgium organized the world’s first Nuclear Energy Summit, and the IAEA raised its projections for nuclear electrical generation for the fourth year in a row. Our explainer on nuclear energy was the most read in English and in all the other UN languages. Read it here.
The IAEA assists its Member States in using nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes and facilitates the transfer of such technology and knowledge in a sustainable manner to Member States.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has revised up its annual projections for the expansion of nuclear power for a fourth successive year. World nuclear capacity is now projected to increase by 2.5 times the current capacity by 2050, in the IAEA’s high case scenario, including a ...
Nuclear energy is still providing the world with a quarter of its low-carbon power and supporting the roll out of intermittent renewables like solar and wind. In future we will see even more nuclear deliver the clean, reliable, and secure power the world needs.
Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy. Fusion reactions take place in a state of matter called plasma — a hot, charged gas made of positive ions and free-moving electrons with unique properties distinct from solids, liquids or gases.
The IAEA has launched a new advisory service called INEAS to develop the nuclear energy education programmes needed for safe and sustainable nuclear power, as well as other types of nuclear science and technology.
50 Years of Nuclear Energy1 “The energy produced by breaking down the atom is a very poor kind of thing. Anyone who expects a source of power from the transformations of these atoms is talking moonshine.” Lord Ernest Rutherford, 1933.
