IEA shares forecast on global energy demand growth for 2050

MERSIN, Türkiye, December 16. IEA’s projection
for 2050 indicates a significant surge in electricity demand,
almost tripling in the net zero emissions scenario, Trend reports.

The remark was made by Keith Everhart, an energy analyst at the
International Energy Agency, during the Journalist Workshop 2023 in
Türkiye’s city of Mersin.

Everhart noted that the emphasis lies on nuclear power’s
extended lifespan as the most cost-effective low-carbon
dispatchable technology.

“The net zero emissions transition requires a substantial
ninefold increase in clean energy by 2030 compared to today’s
levels, yet it brings about vulnerabilities, especially in terms of
capital costs, particularly impacting emerging economies. The
reliance on critical minerals for wind, solar, and batteries
presents another vulnerability due to their concentrated production
in a few countries, more than even fossil fuels,” he said.

The analyst added that despite these challenges, the transition
foresees a decline in emissions, especially in advanced economies,
primarily supported by solar, wind, and hydropower plants, as well
as the development of nuclear capacity.

Moreover, he stresses the importance of extending the
operational lifetime of nuclear power plants, which has been
acknowledged throughout this shift.

Meanwhile, UK New Nuclear Watch Institute, in cooperation with
the Nuclear Industry Association and Türkiye’s Sustainable Enerji
Projeler company, is holding a Journalist Workshop 2023 in the
Turkish city of Mersin. The workshop is aimed at addressing issues
of the nuclear energy development in times of the changing
climate.