Held Thursday, 13 November | 14:00 | IAEA Pavilion, Blue Zone

As countries work to phase out unabated coal, ensuring communities and workers are supported through the transition is an urgent priority. This COP30 session brought together government, industry, youth, and development voices to discuss how shifting from coal to nuclear energy can secure jobs, revitalise regional economies, and deliver long-term clean energy.

The event opened with remarks from Wei Huang, Director of the Planning, Information and Knowledge Management Division at the IAEA, who highlighted the scale of the global transition ahead and the importance of people-centred approaches.

Key Themes & Insights

A People-Focused Transition

Moderator Taisiya Afanasyeva (IAEA) guided a discussion centred on communities—how to retain skilled workers, repurpose existing industrial sites, and create meaningful long-term opportunities.

Lanre Shasore (SEforALL) brought a renewables-focused perspective, noting that the challenges faced when shifting away from coal—community stability, reliable jobs, and sustained local investment—apply across all clean energy technologies, including nuclear.

Country Experiences and Lessons

Juliana Reed from the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero highlighted the UK context: while coal has already been phased out nationally, opportunities remain for deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) in communities that hosted coal plants in recent years. This approach can leverage existing skills and infrastructure while supporting regional economic renewal.

New Opportunities for Workers

World Nuclear Association Director General Sama Bilbao y León emphasised the breadth of skills required in the future nuclear workforce. Beyond engineers and operators, successful nuclear projects need project managers, logistics specialists, construction trades, and a wide range of technical and non-technical roles—opening doors for workers from coal-dependent regions.
She also underscored the importance of financing mechanisms that allow countries to deploy nuclear in a way that is affordable, timely, and socially inclusive.

Youth and the Future Workforce

Dinara Ermakova, representing the International Youth Nuclear Congress, stressed the importance of engaging young professionals and ensuring that energy transitions include long-term training, education, and community development programmes.

A Shared Commitment to Just Transition

Across all speakers, a clear message emerged:
Replacing coal with nuclear offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver deep decarbonisation while protecting the people and places that have powered economies for decades.

With smart policy, strong financing, and community-driven planning, coal-to-nuclear pathways can secure skilled jobs, maintain energy security, and create resilient regional economies.

Access & Further Information

This event was open to all COP30 participants with Blue Zone access.

For details on the wider programme of COP30 Action Agenda events, please see the UNFCCC overview schedule.

For more information about World Nuclear Association’s activities at COP30, visit the Net Zero Nuclear events page.