Global nuclear expansion to 2050

Nuclear power is gaining ground, prioritized as a key solution to climate change at the COP in December 2023. A major challenge lies ahead for 2050, despite the geopolitical challenges.

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Triplement Capacité Nucléaire 2050

The recent global conference, hosted by Sama Bilbao y León of the World Nuclear Association, marked a turning point with the announcement of an international commitment to triple nuclear capacity by 2050. This ambitious initiative reflects a strategic response to the energy insecurity exacerbated by current geopolitical tensions.

The challenges of nuclear expansion

According to ČEZ‘s Bohdan Zronek, achieving this goal will require a considerable increase in all components of the nuclear value chain. The estimated construction of 40 GWe of new nuclear capacity each year poses a major challenge, requiring the construction of around twenty large reactors and seventy SMRs annually.

Innovation and technological development

The conference also underlined the crucial importance of innovation and new technologies to support this expansion. Improving processes from uranium ore extraction to fuel fabrication is essential to meet the sector’s high expectations.

Uranium market dynamics and strategic collaborations

Kazatomprom, a major player in the market, via Dastan Kosherbayev, explained how joint ventures and strategic partnerships strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a reliable supplier on the international uranium market. These strategic alliances are vital to the sustainability and reliability of the global nuclear energy supply.

The uranium market and geopolitical challenges

The current geopolitical context and possible sanctions against Russian uranium supplies underline the urgency of collaborative international initiatives to balance energy security and geopolitical stability. The emergence of new players in the market is essential for the sustainable growth of the sector.

The WNFC 2024 conference highlighted the complex challenges and opportunities facing the nuclear sector as it faces an urgent need for expansion. Collaboration and innovation are crucial to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a sustainable future for nuclear energy.

Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe is asking the European Commission to review its $49bn investment to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant, a step required under the Euratom Treaty before any construction permit can be issued.
The International Atomic Energy Agency mission completed on July 11 warns that the National Nuclear Safety Administration must hire staff to oversee a fleet of 59 reactors in operation and 32 more under construction.
Energoatom signed strategic agreements with Westinghouse and Holtec at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, aiming to establish nuclear fuel production and small modular reactor capabilities in the country.
Tehran agrees to reopen its nuclear facilities to the IAEA, aiming to resume negotiations with Washington, while Moscow pushes for a “zero enrichment” agreement without getting involved in supervision.
TerraPower has selected three new American suppliers for its advanced Natrium nuclear reactor, confirming progress on the project located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, intended to replace a retiring coal-fired power plant.
Energy Exploration Technologies acquires Daytona Lithium, an Australian subsidiary of Pantera Lithium, for AUD40mn ($27mn), bringing its strategic lithium basin footprint in Smackover, USA to nearly 50,000 acres.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has identified no major barriers to licensing the ARC-100 reactor, announces ARC Clean Technology.
SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi oversaw the signing of new agreements for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, thus strengthening the strategic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.