Nuclear Energy Receives Record Support

Nuclear power receives record national support at IAEA's 66th General Conference. This is a real plebiscite.

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Nuclear power receives record national support at IAEA’s 66th General Conference. An unprecedented plebiscite, including from countries that have not yet acquired nuclear energy in their energy mix. For the first time in history, the IAEA will have its own nuclear-themed pavilion at the upcoming COP27.

A plebiscite in favor of nuclear power

Nuclear energy receives a plebiscite by IAEA members in Vienna. The atom enjoys unprecedented support, with 140 national declarations in its favor. For Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, nuclear power offers an indispensable alternative to the various global challenges:

“The climate crisis and the energy crisis have prompted more countries to consider nuclear power as part of the solution, with opinion polls around the world showing a growing acceptance rate for nuclear power.”

A record number of countries officially recognize its key role in climate change mitigation and energy security. In their national declarations, the main operating countries mention nuclear energy favorably. Thus, its main advantages are that it is a reliable and low carbon energy.

The list of national declarations highlights the growing interest of developing countries in nuclear energy. China, which is currently building 18 reactors, reaffirms its commitment. China, the new nuclear powerhouse declares:

“China is committed to building a modern clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient energy system, and considers nuclear power an important option to achieve the goal of carbon cap and neutrality.”

The “newcomers” of nuclear power

In addition to the 32 countries that already use nuclear energy, some 30 other countries, known as “newcomers”, are moving in this direction. Thus, these countries are considering the development of nuclear energy to integrate it into their energy mix. In addition, the IAEA works closely with new entrants to help them set up the necessary infrastructure.

The Agency does this work through the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission. This helps countries to assess the state of their nuclear infrastructure. Thus, several countries have been hosting INIR missions in recent years to develop nuclear energy.

Bangladesh, hosted an INIR mission in 2016. The goal is also to help drive a national plan to become a developed economy by 2041. The country is moving forward with the construction of its first power plant, as confirmed in its statement:

“Bangladesh sees nuclear power as an important component of the future power generation mix.”

The COP27 as a horizon

The IAEA is also preparing to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27). While in 2021 the nuclear issue divided the international scene, the situation today is quite different. Thus, for the first time in its history, the IAEA will have its own pavilion.

This is an opportunity for the agency to highlight the role of nuclear energy in climate change mitigation and adaptation. This will allow member states and partners to hold events at the IAEA-led pavilion on a range of topics. In short, after having experienced a fall in popularity after the Fukushima incident, nuclear power is now making a comeback.

Countries could include the role of nuclear power in providing affordable low-carbon electricity. The atom helps build resilience into energy systems and ensures affordable supply. For example, Finland believes that nuclear energy and renewable energy sources are not mutually exclusive.

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EDF adjusts its 2025 nuclear production forecast to between 365 and 375 TWh, supported by the performance of its industrial programme START 2025 focused on maintenance efficiency.
Deep Isolation is calling on First Mover States to incorporate radioactive waste management into their joint strategy to ensure the industrial viability of new nuclear reactors.
Canada’s nuclear regulator has approved the launch of a new building that will store used steam generators from Bruce Power's refurbishment programme.
Costain has been selected to upgrade essential utilities at the Sellafield nuclear site under a contract worth up to £1bn over fifteen years.
A 5,000-megawatt nuclear programme will be launched by the South African government with NECSA to support national electricity supply and reduce power cuts.
Canada’s IsoEnergy will acquire Australia’s Toro Energy for AUD75mn ($49mn), creating a diversified uranium production platform with assets across Australia, Canada and the United States.
The upcoming Sizewell C nuclear power plant secures its fuel supply through agreements signed with Urenco and Framatome, marking a key step in strengthening the United Kingdom’s long-term energy stability.
The construction of Uzbekistan’s first small modular reactor (SMR) is underway, with 1.5mn m³ of earth being excavated in Jizzakh, marking a major milestone for the nuclear project led by Rosatom.
A nationwide debate on radioactive waste strategy begins on October 13 for four months. It will accompany the preparation of the next five-year roadmap regulating storage, treatment and funding policies through 2031.
Holtec International has ended its planned interim nuclear storage facility in New Mexico, citing ongoing legal hurdles and political deadlock over spent fuel management.
An international audit led by the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that Spain has fully addressed the recommendations made in 2018 regarding its nuclear waste management programme.
EDF anticipates a 35 MW decrease in output for the Flamanville EPR between 2026 and 2031, citing a degraded performance level with no official technical explanation to date.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd has pushed the Bharat Small Reactors proposal deadline to 31 March 2026, aiming to expand private sector engagement in the captive nuclear energy project.
The Philippine government grants contractual advantages and priority dispatch to its first nuclear project, laying the groundwork for sustained sector development in the coming decades.
The merger between Terra Innovatum and GSR III Acquisition Corp. includes $130mn in proceeds aimed at supporting the industrial development of its SOLO™ micro-nuclear reactor.
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, 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 has appointed Excel Services to analyse the economic, technological and logistical outlook of a new nuclear programme, with results expected within ten months.

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