When the Net Zero Nuclear initiative was launched at World Nuclear Symposium 2023, it marked an unprecedented collaboration between government leaders and industry to champion nuclear energy as a clean, reliable, abundant energy source. The call was clear: to at least triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 to accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy systems. 

Since then, Net Zero Nuclear and the ambition to triple has become a unifying force — bringing together governments, industry, financiers, and large energy users under one shared goal: to deliver the clean energy future the world demands. 

From COP28 to a Global Commitment 

At COP28 in Dubai, the world took a historic step forward. Ministers from 25 countries signed the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050, recognizing that nuclear energy must play a central role in achieving the Paris Agreement climate goals. That number has now grown to 31 signatories, reflecting unprecedented political will to expand clean, reliable, and abundant nuclear power. 

Momentum has also surged across the global economy: 

• Over 140 companies from across the nuclear industry have signed the Industry Pledge, committing to deliver the technology, capacity, and innovation required to meet the tripling target. 
• Fourteen leading financial institutions, during New York Climate Week 2024, pledged to work together to unlock capital for new nuclear projects that are required to meet the tripling target. 
• At CERAWeek 2025, some of the world’s largest energy users joined the call, highlighting nuclear’s essential role in decarbonising heavy industry, data centres, and other energy-intensive sectors. 

Together, these actions show that Net Zero Nuclear is building a coalition of the ambitious — driving the partnerships and investment needed to achieve global climate goals. 

Nuclear’s Growing Role on the Global Stage 

Since COP28, recognition of nuclear energy’s contribution to climate mitigation has continued to deepen. Six more countries joined the tripling declaration at COP29, underscoring growing global alignment. The COP29 President also highlighted climate finance as a top priority — a focus that aligns directly with efforts to scale investment in nuclear projects worldwide. 

Meanwhile, transformative policy and financial shifts are reshaping the landscape. The World Bank’s decision to end its ban on funding nuclear projects marks a pivotal moment for sustainable development finance. Working with the IAEA, the Bank has acknowledged nuclear power as essential for energy security, economic growth, and climate resilience — particularly in emerging economies. 

In parallel, national attitudes are shifting. In the United States, a bold commitment to quadruple nuclear capacity demonstrates renewed confidence in the technology’s role in achieving both energy independence and climate targets. And globally, the World Nuclear Performance Report 2025 recorded a record-breaking year for nuclear electricity generation — proof that nuclear energy is already delivering results. 

Looking Ahead to COP30 

As we approach COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the focus turns to the urgent actions needed to keep global temperature increases within 1.5°C. Governments will present new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), setting out how they plan to meet their Paris Agreement commitments. At the same time, negotiators will review progress on climate finance pledges made at COP29 — including mechanisms to support clean energy investment worldwide. 

For World Nuclear Association and the Net Zero Nuclear coalition, COP30 represents a pivotal opportunity. We will continue to engage with governments around the world — and have written to over 30 countries — to push for nuclear energy to be explicitly included in updated NDCs. 

At the World Nuclear Association's Net Zero Nuclear pavilion, we will showcase how countries, industry, off-takers and investors are transforming pledges into practical progress. 

Spotlight on Brazil: The Host of COP30 

As the world gathers in Belém, Brazil, attention turns to a nation with immense potential to lead the next phase of clean energy expansion. Brazil’s power system is already among the world’s cleanest, dominated by hydropower — but it is increasingly exposed to the impacts of climate change. Expanding nuclear energy can strengthen energy security, diversify low-carbon generation, and support Brazil’s ambition to achieve net zero while driving sustainable industrial growth. 

Brazil currently operates two reactors at Angra, supplying around 3% of national electricity, and is advancing toward completing Angra 3 and developing additional sites for new plants. These steps signal renewed commitment to nuclear as a cornerstone of a resilient, low-carbon energy mix. 

Learn more about Brazil’s nuclear sector, policy framework, and future plans in the Brazil Country Profile in World Nuclear Association Information Library — a comprehensive resource on one of South America’s most promising markets for clean energy innovation. 

Join Us in Belém 

At COP30, we will continue building the partnerships, confidence, and ambition needed to at least triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. 

Join us on the road to COP30 — and be part of the global coalition powering a clean, sustainable, and secure future.