International agreement to triple nuclear capacity by 2050

The agreement signed by 22 countries at the Climate Change Conference in Dubai aims to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, marking a decisive turning point in the fight against global warming.
Triplement de la capacité nucléaire 2050

Partagez:

The recent signing of a historic commitment by 22 countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, France, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, has opened a new chapter in the fight against climate change. This ambitious agreement aims to triple nuclear power generation capacity by 2050 compared with the base year of 2020, a move unprecedented in the history of nuclear power.

The Commitments of the Signatory Countries

The signatories of the Declaration aim to achieve a global goal of zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and to keep the 1.5 degree target within reach. They are committed to supporting the development and construction of nuclear reactors, including small modular reactors and other advanced types, not only for power generation but also for broader industrial applications in decarbonization, such as the production of hydrogen or synthetic fuels.

Involvement of international financial institutions

Participating countries will encourage the World Bank and other international and regional development banks to include nuclear power in their energy lending policies. This decision recognizes the importance of extending the life of existing reactors, and pledges to support “responsible nations” seeking to deploy new generations of civil nuclear power.

Annual Review and Expansion of the Signatory Circle

The participants called on other countries to join the declaration, and announced that they would review the agreement’s progress annually on the sidelines of the COP meetings. Signatories include the United States, Canada, Japan, France, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, as well as several other European and Asian countries.

Nuclear Capacity Projections and Challenges

According to analysts at S&P Global Commodity Insights, global nuclear capacity is set to grow by 58% by 2050. Global nuclear production, which was set to reach 2,545 TWh in 2022, was down 100 TWh on the previous year, mainly due to technical problems in aging French reactors, as well as production cuts in Germany and the impact of the war in Ukraine. However, nuclear power generation in Asia increased by 37 TWh last year.

The Future of Nuclear Energy in the Gulf

The United Arab Emirates has become the first Gulf country to produce nuclear power, with the commissioning of the fourth reactor at the Barakah power plant in November. These units will supply up to 25% of the country’s energy needs, generating 5.6 GW, or almost 40% of the UAE’s peak demand. Saudi Arabia, although currently without nuclear power generation, plans to add around 17 GW of nuclear capacity by 2040.

The global commitment to nuclear power reflected in this historic agreement represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable energy future. With sustained effort and international collaboration, tripling nuclear capacity could play a key role in achieving net-zero emissions targets and combating climate change.

EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.
Confidential reports from the IAEA and multiple intelligence agencies confirm Iran's uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels, contradicting Tehran's official statements. EnergyNews.pro retraces the evolution of Iran's nuclear program since 2015, three years before the Trump administration's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement.
Uranium spot price hits its highest level of 2025 following a significant fundraising announcement by a specialized Canadian investment fund, prompting vigorous trading and strong reactions in the international market.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced being close to an intergovernmental agreement with Washington for Westinghouse to build a 1,250-megawatt nuclear reactor at the Jaslovske Bohunice site.
EDF confirms two micro-cracks on reactor number 2 at Civaux, caused by corrosion and thermal fatigue, resulting in a minor delay in restart without threat to overall production.
Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant remains immobilised by armed conflict, dependent on a single fragile power line and groundwater wells to cool its reactors, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Russia declares itself ready to retrieve and transform Iran’s excess nuclear materials into fuel, a proposal aimed at easing tense nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States.
The Moscow Arbitration Court postpones by nine months the trial initiated by Rosatom against Fortum and Outokumpu, seeking nearly three billion dollars following the controversial cancellation of a nuclear project in Finland.
The UK regulator has accepted to examine Newcleo’s advanced LFR-AS-200 reactor, marking a first for a modular lead-cooled technology in the country.
Framatome strengthens its control over the nuclear supply chain by acquiring a 40% stake in Selectarc, France’s sole producer of welding filler metals.
The UK government has selected Rolls-Royce SMR to lead the deployment of small modular reactors, aiming to secure 24 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050.
Orano USA has opened a new office in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to lead the development of a uranium enrichment facility, marking one of the largest industrial investments in the state’s history.
AtkinsRéalis and EDF signed a strategic agreement to integrate their expertise in nuclear engineering, equipment and waste management, while preserving each country’s technological sovereignty.
The British government officially commits £14.2 billion to develop two EPR nuclear reactors in eastern England, in strategic partnership with the French group EDF, with a final investment decision expected shortly.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that confidential documents were acquired by Iran, raising concerns about the country’s cooperation with the agency.