Nuclear and Climate: Challenges and Hopes on the Eve of COP28

Nuclear energy, long considered taboo, is back in the international spotlight, promising a renaissance despite significant challenges.

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Renaissance nucléaire enjeux climatiques à la COP28

Nuclear power, once ostracized in climate debates, is enjoying an unexpected revival. In the run-up to COP28, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), highlights a significant change in attitude. Countries that harness nuclear power, once reluctant to discuss it at climate conferences, are now preparing to assert their pro-nuclear stance with pride.

Nuclear Evolution and Expansion

Although nuclear power is making progress, it is still insufficient to meet the climate targets set by the Paris agreements. Despite notable developments in the USA, Europe, China and even Africa, with Egypt at the forefront, the reality remains bleak. With only 7 gigawatts (GW) of additional capacity gained this year and 4GW last year, the world is far from the doubling or even tripling of nuclear capacity needed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Challenges and prospects

The road to a nuclear future is full of pitfalls. Political obstacles, particularly within the EU, and financial challenges are major barriers. COP28 in Dubai promises to be crucial, with France and other countries seeking to rally some forty states to the idea of tripling nuclear production capacity by 2050. This ambition, while laudable, raises questions about the feasibility and environmental and safety implications of such an expansion.

The nuclear renaissance, while promising, remains a complex journey. Current progress is encouraging, but falls short of global climate expectations. COP28 could be a decisive turning point, determining the future of nuclear energy in the fight against global warming.

EDF extends Flamanville EPR's shutdown to August 13 to conduct technical checks on three valves of the reactor's primary circuit, initially scheduled to resume production this week.
The US Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant Nuclear to conduct the first nuclear microreactor tests at the DOME experimental centre located in Idaho, with operational start expected in spring 2026.
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Fortum announce partnership aimed at preparing for the potential deployment of small modular reactors in Finland and Sweden, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s.
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
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.