Job losses in the European Union associated with nuclear plant closures have been more than offset by growth in China and Russia, which together account for over 40% of all jobs in the industry, according to an International Energy Agency report.

The report, World Energy Employment 2023, also delivers a stark warning on the skills shortage facing the nuclear industry and highlights the impact it has had on nuclear projects such as the delayed Flamanville-3 in northern France.

It says the lack of sufficient staff translated into “ballooning costs” for fleet operator EDF, intensifying its financial challenges.