Growing Momentum Behind the Global Pledge to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050
At a COP31 side event co-hosted by the French Government, World Nuclear Association and Comité Stratégique de la Filière Nucléaire (CSFN), Ministers from France, Kazakhstan and Togo, highlighted growing international support for the commitment to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. The event reviewed progress since the pledge was launched at COP28 in Dubai and explored how countries are translating commitments into action.
From 22 countries to 39
Opening the event, Mrs. Maria Faury, Head coordinator of the French nuclear sector, noted the rapid growth in support for the declaration.
"In 2023 during COP28 in Dubai, we had 22 countries that endorsed this declaration. Today, we have 39."
She said the pledge is intended not only to support climate goals, but also to strengthen energy security and expand access to clean and reliable energy worldwide.
France: Nuclear is essential to climate goals
Mme Monique Barbut, Ministre de la Transition écologique, de la Biodiversité et des Négociations internationales sur le climat et la nature outlined France's plans to expand its nuclear programme and underscored the role of nuclear power in achieving net-zero emissions.
"Without nuclear energy we cannot do it, and we cannot go to carbon neutrality by 2050."
She highlighted France's existing fleet of 57 operating reactors, plans for six new large reactors, and investments in advanced technologies including small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactors and fusion.
Barbut also welcomed the growth in support for the pledge, noting that recent signatories include Brazil, China, Italy, Togo and South Africa.
Turning ambition into delivery
Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of World Nuclear Association, presented an overview of progress towards the tripling target and the scale of deployment now being planned globally.
According to Bilbao y León, around 50 countries now include nuclear energy in their long-term energy plans. If current targets are achieved, global nuclear capacity could exceed 1,400 GW by 2050.
She stressed that momentum must now be converted into project delivery.
"Every signature is much more than a symbol. It is a demand signal. It is a signal to investors, governments and the finance community that nuclear energy is a key piece of the puzzle."
Bilbao y León identified several priorities:
- Extending the life of existing reactors.
- Accelerating reactor licensing and regulatory processes.
- Investing across the entire nuclear ecosystem, including fuel cycles and supply chains.
- Standardising reactor designs to lower costs and speed deployment.
- Building public support and developing the skilled workforce needed for expansion.
She also urged negotiators to ensure nuclear is recognised within broader efforts to expand clean electricity generation.
"We need a technology-neutral approach to delivering abundant carbon-free electricity at a global level."
Kazakhstan: From uranium leader to nuclear power producer
Mr. Alibek Kuantyrov, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Republic of Kazakhstan outlined his country's ambitions to become both a major supplier of nuclear fuel and a nuclear power producer.
He noted that Kazakhstan remains the world's largest uranium producer, accounting for approximately 40% of global production in 2025, while also holding around 18% of global uranium reserves.
Kuantyrov announced plans for Kazakhstan's first commercial nuclear power station, featuring two Generation III+ reactors with a combined capacity of approximately 2.4 GW and construction expected to begin in 2027.
"The largest uranium producer in the world doesn't have a single nuclear plant."
He emphasised that environmental responsibility must remain central to nuclear development, including environmental impact assessments, monitoring programmes and adherence to international safety standards.
Togo: Using nuclear to drive industrialisation
One of the newest countries to join the pledge, Togo used the event to outline an ambitious nuclear energy roadmap. M. Robert Eklo Ministre chargé de l’énergie et des ressources minières, Togo , said growing energy demand and industrialisation goals were behind the decision to pursue nuclear energy.
Togo is exploring both small modular reactors and floating nuclear power units, with the aim of bringing its first nuclear facilities online within the coming decade.
"We need to bring enough, affordable and reliable energy so that industry will follow."
The minister stressed that workforce development will be critical.
"We need lots and lots of good people. Highly trained people. We need engineers, but we need workers. We need everybody else that will help us on this way."
He also invited participants to attend the next Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA) in Togo between 1 – 3 June 2027.
Key themes from the discussion
Several themes emerged throughout the event:
Nuclear and climate action
Speakers consistently argued that achieving net zero emissions while maintaining energy security will be significantly more difficult without nuclear power.
Moving from pledges to projects
With political support growing, attention is shifting toward financing, licensing, construction and supply chain readiness.
Workforce and skills
Across both established and emerging nuclear nations, workforce development was highlighted as one of the biggest challenges. France alone expects to recruit around 100,000 people over the next decade to support its programme.
New entrant countries
Countries such as Kazakhstan and Togo demonstrated how interest in nuclear power is expanding beyond traditional nuclear markets, with new entrants seeing nuclear as a tool for economic development, industrialisation and energy security.
Looking ahead
Closing the session, Maria Faury highlighted the opportunity presented by global electrification efforts and argued that nuclear and renewable energy should be seen as complementary solutions.