Chernobyl Nuclear Revival

The 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster fueled global fears about nuclear energy and slowed down its development in Europe and other regions. But four decades after the accident, nuclear power is seeing a global revival. Over 400 nuclear reactors are operational in 31 countries, and about 70 more are under construction. Nuclear power accounts for about 10% of the world’s electricity, equivalent to about a quarter of all low-carbon power. International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol said that while Chernobyl and the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan diminished the appetite for such sources of power, it was clear years ago that there would probably be a revival.