To date, 448 nuclear reactors are in operation worldwide. Together, they produce 10.6% of the world’s electricity, with global nuclear power generation capacity rising over the past 4 years to a record 390,000 MW. The International Energy Agency predicts investment in nuclear power of around $1,100 billion by 2040, leading to an increase in nuclear power generation of around 42% (high hypothesis of IAEA studies). 57 nuclear power plants are currently under construction in 15 countries, with 158 nuclear reactors planned and 351 reactors proposed.
The future trend is taking shape with the interest shown in nuclear energy by some twenty countries that do not yet have nuclear power plants.
Algeria has significant potential energy resources, including oil, gas, solar and wind power, and uranium.
The country’s medium- and long-term energy strategy must be designed to develop and preserve non-renewable energies, and reduce its heavy dependence on fossil fuels by adopting an energy policy based on diversification of the energy mix.
Actions to prepare and gradually implement the infrastructure required for the introduction of nuclear power are underway: energy planning, setting up the requisite nuclear power infrastructure (Nuclear Research Centers, specialized training institutes and centers, Engineering Units), upgrading legislation and regulations, efforts aimed at industrial integration, capacity building in nuclear safety and security, safeguards and emergency preparedness, development of activities linked to the fuel cycle and nuclear waste management.
COMENA, in collaboration with its relevant partners, contributes to the implementation of actions to prepare for nuclear power, particularly in the following areas:
- Strengthening the legislative and regulatory framework, in line with Algeria’s commitments in terms of safety, security and safeguards;
- Safety, security and guarantees;
- Setting up the requisite nuclear energy infrastructures (Nuclear Research Centers, specialized training institutes and centers, engineering units);
- Capacity building in nuclear safety and security, safeguards and emergency preparedness;
- development of fuel cycle and nuclear waste management activities
- Contribution to site studies;
