Powering the AI Boom: Clean Firm Energy for the Digital Era, IYNC and World Nuclear Association Event

Held Wednesday, 12 November | 11:30 | World Nuclear Association’s Net Zero Nuclear Pavilion, Blue Zone

The International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC) hosted a dynamic discussion on how countries—particularly emerging economies—can meet surging electricity demand from AI and data centres using clean, reliable nuclear energy. Speakers emphasised that AI is accelerating an already steep rise in electricity needs, and that firm, low-carbon power will be essential for both digital growth and broader economic development.

Key Insights from the Session

- Moderator Valentin Cottel, IYNC

Dinara Ermakova – International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC)

- AI is intensifying global electricity demand, but demand was already rising even without AI. Meeting this increase—especially in newcomer nuclear countries—is a major challenge.

- Many developing nations want to attract data centres, but cannot meet demand with intermittent sources alone. Nuclear provides the firm, scalable energy needed to support AI-driven growth.

- The first prerequisite for AI expansion in developing countries is access to reliable energy capacity. Without that, “the AI conversation doesn’t even begin.”

- Hyperscalers such as Google and Amazon are looking for firm electricity this decade and are increasingly willing to invest in new and existing nuclear capacity—benefiting both life-extension projects and new builds.

- Nuclear power is not just for data centres; it underpins long-term economic growth more broadly.

Eliene Bezerra Simao da Silva – Latin American Section, American Nuclear Society

- Each country has different resources, but many have untapped potential. Brazil, for example, holds the world’s 6th-largest uranium reserves—countries should not underestimate their strategic position in the nuclear fuel cycle.

- Strong public–private partnerships are essential to expand nuclear capacity.

- Brazil’s emerging green taxonomy recognises nuclear energy, and new nuclear projects will be exempt from federal taxes—an important enabler of investment and growth.

- To build a resilient supply chain, Brazil needs additional reactors beyond its current two; scaling to a 4th and 5th unit is necessary.

- Continued nuclear construction is now widely recognised as essential. Youth engagement, policy ambition, and cross-sector collaboration are critical to sustaining momentum.

Thiago Ivanovski Teixeira – Latin American Section, American Nuclear Society

- The greatest challenge is building clean energy fast enough to meet demand. This requires expanding generation capacity and adopting business models that accelerate deployment.

- Brazil is a leader in hydro and biofuels, but must integrate nuclear more fully into its energy strategy to secure long-term stability and decarbonisation.

- Effective public policy depends on reliable data, strong institutions, and a trustworthy market framework—key components for expanding nuclear energy in the region.

Access & Additional Information

This session took place in the COP30 Blue Zone.

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.