Meeting the growing demand for clean electricity and heat with nuclear energy
Held Monday, 17 November | 18:30 | Side Event Room 9
UNFCCC Official Side Event
As the world accelerates toward net zero, demand for clean, reliable energy continues to surge. At this UNFCCC COP30 side event, global experts and industry leaders came together to examine how nuclear energy can meet rising needs for both electricity and heat—while enabling countries to deliver on their climate ambitions.
Hosted in partnership by World Nuclear Association, JAIF, Canadian Nuclear Association and NuclearEurope, the session explored global progress since the historic Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050, first signed at COP28, and highlighted key insights from the World Nuclear Outlook Report 2025 preview released on 14 November.
Key Themes & Highlights
A Global Shift Since COP28
Opening remarks emphasised how significantly the deployment landscape has changed since the tripling pledge was announced:
- The number of government signatories has grown from 23 to 33, reflecting rising political momentum.
- More than 140 nuclear companies have joined the Industry Pledge.
- Sixteen financial institutions, including new signatories Stifel and CIBC, have committed to enabling capital flows for new nuclear projects.
- Major energy users—from heavy industry to data centres—are aligning behind the need for firm, clean power.
The World Bank’s decision to lift its historic restriction on nuclear financing was noted as a major turning point, especially for emerging economies.
Insights from the World Nuclear Outlook Report 2025
Dr Jonathan Cobb presented preview findings from the Report, confirming that the world is on track to meet the tripling target—provided ambition remains high, and countries continue to prioritise enabling policy, investment, and project delivery.
The preview summary and presentation are available online, with the full report to follow later this year.
Japan’s Energy Transition: From Taboo to Policy
Prof Jun Arima and Mr Masui shared updates on Japan’s evolving energy strategy:
- A “180-degree shift” in policy and public perception has revitalised Japan’s nuclear sector.
- The upcoming 7th Strategic Energy Plan will place “and nuclear” alongside renewables, marking a move toward integrated system planning.
- Energy security is central: Japan is pursuing long-term uranium supply agreements and expanding fuel recycling capabilities.
- The Tripling Declaration has catalysed structural changes across Japan’s energy institutions.
Industrial Users Call for Firm, Clean Power
Representing the European paper industry, Malgosia Rybak (CEPI) reinforced the needs of energy-intensive sectors:
- Pulp and paper production is energy-intensive and requires 24/7 baseload supply.
- With 60% of the sector’s energy already renewable, nuclear is a natural complement in the pathway to fossil-free production.
- Nuclear is now fully included in industrial energy discussions, supported by emerging scalable financing models.
A Shared Call to Action
The session concluded with a strong message:
Tripling global nuclear capacity by 2050 is achievable—but only with continued ambition, investment, and collaboration.
The partners reaffirmed their commitment to bringing together policymakers, industry, energy-intensive users, and financial institutions to drive nuclear deployment as a cornerstone of a clean, secure, and resilient global energy system.
Speakers
- Prof. Jun Arima, Visiting Professor, University of Tokyo; Board Member, JAIF
- Mr Masui, President and CEO, JAIF
- Malgosia Rybak, Energy Policy Director, CEPI
- Dr Jonathan Cobb, Senior Programme Lead – Climate, World Nuclear Association
- Pippa Eames, Communications, World Nuclear Association (moderator)
Access & Further Information
This event was open to all COP30 participants with access to Side Event Room 9.
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.