New Nations Join Global Initiative to Boost Nuclear Energy Capacity
China, Brazil, Italy, and Belgium have recently pledged their commitment to a global initiative aimed at tripling nuclear energy capacity by 2050. This collective action, first introduced at COP28 two years ago, now boasts 38 supporting nations. The recent endorsements were announced at the Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris.
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing emphasized China’s dedication to this initiative, highlighting the dual goals of combating climate change and enhancing energy security. According to Zhang, achieving these objectives requires a commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation, as well as resistance to unilateral approaches and protectionist policies.
Over the past decade and a half, China has significantly expanded its nuclear energy capabilities, surpassing the combined efforts of other countries. This growth has primarily been driven by the construction of large conventional reactors. China is also actively pursuing its ambitions as a nuclear exporter, with projects such as the Hualong One reactor in Pakistan and Argentina.
Sama Bilbao y León, head of the World Nuclear Association (WNA), noted that these new endorsements provide “tremendous momentum” to the cause. Victor Ibarra from the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) added that the growing support for nuclear energy highlights its recognition as a “reliable source of clean, firm power,” especially in light of current geopolitical tensions and volatile fuel markets.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) described the rise in nuclear power demand as part of a “new era of growth,” driven by the increasing need for clean electricity to support technologies like electric vehicles and data centers. A 2026 WNA report suggests that tripling nuclear capacity by 2050 is feasible, provided that current plans proceed as intended. However, MIT’s Jacopo Buongiorno has pointed out the necessity for a substantial scale-up in supply chains to meet these ambitious targets.
Nuclear Expansion in Emerging Economies
While nuclear reactor construction in the US and Europe has slowed, emerging economies such as China, India, the UAE, and South Korea are taking the lead. Brazil is also stepping up its efforts in nuclear development. The Brazilian foreign ministry has pledged to develop nuclear power with high safety and non-proliferation standards.
Brazil’s energy minister, Alexandre Silveira, has expressed optimism about the nation’s nuclear future, proposing the replacement of fossil fuel plants in the Amazon with small modular reactors (SMRs). Despite Brazil’s vast uranium reserves, which provide energy security, Caio Victor Vieira from the Talanoa Institute argues that nuclear expansion may bring only limited economic benefits due to Brazil’s existing reliance on hydropower for the majority of its energy needs. Vieira views Brazil’s participation in the pledge as a strategic move to support nuclear energy on a global scale.
European Perspectives on Nuclear Energy
Europe remains divided on nuclear energy, despite nearly half of the pledge’s signatories being from the continent. France, a strong proponent of nuclear power, contrasts sharply with Germany’s anti-nuclear stance. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has criticized Europe’s retreat from nuclear energy over the past three decades, describing it as a “strategic mistake” in light of recent energy crises in the Middle East.
Von der Leyen advocates for a balanced energy mix, combining nuclear and renewable sources to ensure a stable energy supply. In response, German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider argued against the financial feasibility of investing in new nuclear reactors, highlighting the benefits of wind and solar energy. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signaled an openness to considering nuclear energy as a clean energy source, despite internal political differences.
Elsewhere, Japan is cautiously re-engaging with nuclear power, restarting reactors after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, though it faces public pushback over waste management. In the United States, the Trump administration continues to support nuclear energy initiatives, advocating for SMRs while easing safety and environmental regulations.
Original Story at www.climatechangenews.com