Interview at COP30 —Wei Huang, Director of Planning, Information and Knowledge Management, Department of Nuclear Energy, IAEA

At the Net Zero Nuclear Pavilion at COP30, we spoke with Wei Huang, Director of Planning, Information and Knowledge Management in the Department of Nuclear Energy at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He reflected on the rapidly growing momentum for nuclear energy across the global climate agenda, the IAEA’s expanding role in supporting countries, and what must happen between now and COP31 to turn commitments into real-world deployment.

In a year where four nuclear pavilions featured at the UN climate summit—including the IAEA’s own Atoms for Climate Pavilion—Huang outlined how nuclear is becoming firmly embedded in the global conversation on both climate mitigation and adaptation.

Key Themes from the Interview

Global Momentum for Nuclear After COP28

Huang noted that the surge in nuclear visibility seen at COP28 has not only continued but strengthened over the past year. The inclusion of nuclear energy in the Global Stocktake, combined with the launch of the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy, created a new baseline of ambition that is now shaping international dialogue.

At COP30, this momentum was on full display: four nuclear pavilions, dozens of events, and broad engagement across science, technology, energy, and finance communities. Huang emphasised that this expanded presence reflects an accelerating global recognition of nuclear’s indispensable role in addressing climate change.

IAEA Leadership at COP30

Beyond hosting the Atoms for Climate Pavilion, the IAEA engaged deeply with the COP30 Presidency and a wide range of partners. The Agency’s Atoms4NetZero initiative—launched at COP27—was invited to join the COP30 Activation Group, signalling growing institutional confidence in nuclear as a key climate solution.

Huang explained that the IAEA is working closely with the Presidency to contribute concrete, actionable inputs to its priorities. This engagement reflects a broader shift: nuclear is moving from symbolic inclusion in climate discussions to active integration into planning, policy, and finance strategies.

From Pledges to Action: Preparing for COP31

With COP30 calling for a transition from commitments to implementation, the IAEA is focusing on the support countries will need to realise the tripling of global nuclear capacity by 2050. This includes:

• helping newcomer countries build foundational nuclear infrastructure

• supporting operating nations to expand or modernise their fleets

• improving regulatory readiness

• fostering workforce development

• strengthening supply chains

Huang emphasized that financial enablement remains one of the biggest barriers—especially for newcomer countries navigating the complexity of first-of-a-kind projects.

Financing, Bankability & the Role of MDBs

One of the most significant developments highlighted in the conversation was the recent landmark agreement between the IAEA and the World Bank. Huang described this as a breakthrough moment, demonstrating that nuclear is increasingly recognised as a bankable, climate-aligned sector.

But more work is needed. He stressed the importance of:

• ensuring multilateral development banks understand how nuclear projects can be de-risked

• creating financial pathways that enable both public and private investment

• building the conditions for nuclear to compete fairly with other clean technologies

These steps, Huang noted, will be central to building the scale and confidence required to meet global climate targets.

Expansion of the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy

Huang celebrated the continued growth of the global coalition supporting the tripling of nuclear capacity. At COP30, Rwanda and Senegal joined the Declaration—bringing the total number of signatories to 33 countries.

He also highlighted that many countries advancing nuclear in their national climate strategies may soon join the coalition, reinforcing a strong and diverse international commitment to nuclear deployment.

A Path Forward Through Collaboration

Huang concluded that the path to COP31 will require intense cooperation across governments, international institutions, NDBs and MDBs, the nuclear industry, and climate-finance communities. The IAEA stands ready to support its member states as they transform climate ambition into energy infrastructure, economic development, and long-term resilience.

Watch the Full Interview

View the full conversation on the World Nuclear Association’s YouTube channel to hear Wei Huang’s insights on global nuclear momentum, climate action, and the concrete steps needed to enable deployment ahead of COP31.