SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

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.

Share:

Triplement Capacité Nucléaire 2050

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

START NOW — 4.90$/month

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

SUBSCRIBE — 99$/year

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Sign up for free to unlock this article

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.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Indonesia: Radioactive traces found in 22 industrial sites after US shrimp recall
France blocks Aquind’s €1.4bn power link project across the Channel
The industrial gases market to reach $365.65bn by 2035 driven by hydrogen
Iberdrola adds 708 MW of solar capacity to joint venture with Norges Bank
Vietnam proposes tax refunds to boost domestic bioethanol production
NANO Nuclear raises $400mn in oversubscribed private placement to fund compact reactors
US nuclear technology firm NANO Nuclear Energy has secured $400mn through an oversubscribed private placement, raising its cash position to approximately $600mn to accelerate development of its KRONOS MMR™ microreactors.
Global Nuclear Fuel to launch new GNF4 fuel in 2026
Global Nuclear Fuel, a GE Vernova-led alliance with Hitachi, plans the first use of its GNF4 boiling water reactor fuel in 2026, with full-scale production expected by 2030.
Arkansas commissions Excel Services for study on state’s nuclear future
Arkansas has appointed Excel Services to analyse the economic, technological and logistical outlook of a new nuclear programme, with results expected within ten months.
Belgium approves nuclear waste storage extension at Dessel
Operator Belgoprocess has received authorisation to build a new facility to store waste generated from the ongoing decommissioning of Belgium’s nuclear reactors.
United Kingdom opens public consultation on Rolls-Royce modular reactor
The British government has launched a consultation on the regulatory justification request for Rolls-Royce’s modular reactor, a decisive step towards its approval in the country’s nuclear market.
GVH and Samsung C&T seal global alliance for BWRX-300 reactors
GVH and Samsung C&T join forces to accelerate international deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors, with a strong focus on Sweden and the consolidation of the nuclear supply chain.
Sweden prepares compensation framework to secure nuclear investments
The Swedish government aims to establish a right to compensation for operators if a political reversal leads to the early shutdown of nuclear plants, in a move to reduce investment risks.
Duke Energy plans new 1,117 MW nuclear reactor by 2037
Duke Energy adds a large nuclear reactor project to its 2025 plan for the Carolinas, anticipating electricity demand more than twice previous forecasts.
Arabelle Solutions secures contract for Sizewell C turbines
EDF has selected Arabelle Solutions to supply two complete turbine islands for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, strengthening their industrial cooperation initiated at Hinkley Point C.
Rome launches legislative process to reintegrate nuclear energy into its mix
The Italian government has approved a bill granting the executive authority to regulate the return of nuclear energy, in line with European carbon neutrality and energy security targets for 2050.
Framatome launches dedicated line for military nuclear propulsion in Jeumont
Framatome and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission have commissioned a specialised industrial line in Jeumont for the manufacturing of nuclear components used in French Navy vessels.
Terra Innovatum signs two strategic agreements to accelerate deployment of its modular reactor
Italian company Terra Innovatum is advancing the commercialisation of its SOLO micro-reactor, with two new partnerships and $42.5mn in funding as part of a merger with a listed company.
Orano, Navoiyuran and ITOCHU launch uranium mining at South Djengeldi site
The Nurlikum Mining joint venture enters a new industrial phase with the launch of the South Djengeldi project, targeting annual production of 500 tonnes of uranium over ten years in Uzbekistan.
Russian strike cuts power to Chernobyl site, reigniting nuclear safety concerns
The containment structure over Chernobyl’s destroyed reactor lost power after a Russian strike, as Zaporizhzhia remains cut off from external electricity for over a week.
U.S. uranium purchases reach 55.9 million pounds in 2024
Uranium deliveries to U.S. civilian operators rose 8% in 2024, while the average price climbed to its highest level since 2012, according to the latest available data.
Medvedev announces the rise of public investment in nuclear and AI
The Vice-Chairman of Russia’s Security Council believes more countries will develop nuclear weapons and generative AI technologies as a result of increasing public sector efforts.
Orano wins legal case in uranium dispute over Somaïr site
An international tribunal ruled in favour of French company Orano against the State of Niger, which had blocked the sale of uranium extracted from the Arlit mine since taking control of the site in 2023.
Oklo and Blykalla form transatlantic alliance on modular reactor development
US-based Oklo and Sweden’s Blykalla join forces to coordinate supply chains and regulatory data sharing to accelerate the commercial deployment of their metal-cooled small modular reactors.
EDF to invest €25bn to strengthen nuclear capacity by 2030
EDF plans a massive €25bn ($26.5bn) investment to modernise its nuclear fleet, focusing on reactor lifetime extension and preparing for new nuclear projects in France.
EDF nuclear costs kept under control until 2028 according to CRE
The French Energy Regulatory Commission set the full nuclear cost at €60.3/MWh by 2026, outlining the taxation thresholds applicable under the market reform scheduled for 2026.