<p>Nuclear power generation has slowed around the world, despite its promise as a low-carbon, large-scale, dispatchable electricity source. New reactor designs promise to be safer, more efficient, cheaper and easier to build. But will costs come down enough for &lsquo;new&rsquo; nuclear to compete with renewables and decarbonised fossil fuels?</p>

<p>A wide range of reactor types are in varying stages of design and demonstration in the US, China, Russia and elsewhere. Some are incremental improvements on traditional reactors; others are more radical and unlikely to enter service before the 2030s. These new reactors could have a role in the future energy mix, growing nuclear&rsquo;s role much beyond its current market share.</p>
