As audiences immerse themselves in the 'Oppenheimer' biopic, about the man who pioneered the atomic bomb during a pivotal point in history, the power he helped to create is having its own resurgent moment.
'Oppenheimer' offers a compelling glimpse into the turbulent times of World War II, where scientific minds laboured tirelessly to unlock the secrets of atomic energy. Through an extraordinary portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer's struggles and triumphs, the film captures the essence of the nuclear arms race and its ultimate destructive force.
The film charts how the very force that was so destructive when deployed in Hiroshima in 1945 also underpins modern nuclear reactors that generate electricity, powering millions of homes.
The point being made is clear: while it led to unprecedented devastation during the war, the same nuclear fission technology is now harnessed to produce clean, carbon-free electricity worldwide.
Climate role for nuclear
Fission reactors currently play a significant role in electricity generation, accounting for some 10% of the world's total. Nations like the US rely even more heavily on nuclear energy, where it contributes to almost a fifth of the nation's electricity needs.
As concerns about climate change grow, the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has intensified. The Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that future electricity demand will be met primarily by renewable energy sources and nuclear power. By turning to these low-emissions options, the world aims to secure electricity supplies while advancing towards ambitious climate goals.
In the US the Biden administration has made clear its intentions for nuclear energy, viewing it as a crucial component of the nation's transition away from fossil fuels.
The country's 93 reactors generate more than half of its carbon-free electricity. To safeguard these reactors and the employment opportunities they create, the bipartisan infrastructure bill, now law, includes the Civil Nuclear Credit Program, offering financial support to keep them operational.
Investor interest
Despite the turbulent era it depicts, 'Oppenheimer' manages to draw attention to current progress in nuclear power development, with promising advancements in nuclear fusion technology presenting an alternative to traditional fission reactors. This means the ability to generate more energy than ever before at lower costs, potentially revolutionising global energy production.
The Fusion Industry Association in Washington, DC, holds high hopes for the first fusion power plant to come online by 2030. A host of private companies are already taking significant strides in this direction and garnering the interest of investors in doing so.
With the continued support of governments and private sector investments, nuclear power, whether through traditional fission or fusion technology, seems destined to be a part of the green energy mix as we move towards net zero.