Nuclear Energy at COP31: 39 countries progress the Declaration to Triple as global outlook exceeds target

Antalya, Türkiye, 12 November 2026

The Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy is now backed by 39 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Six countries have joined since COP30, these are: Belgium, Brazil, China, Italy, South Africa, and Togo. Endorsing countries include eight of the world’s ten largest economies and together account for around two-thirds of both global GDP and world energy consumption. Energy security now stands alongside decarbonization as a primary driver of nuclear expansion, as governments focus on turning ambition into delivery.

Ahead of COP31, World Nuclear Association published the World Nuclear Outlook Report in full, including analysis of more than 50 countries. The Report projects that global nuclear capacity could reach 1467 GWe by 2050, exceeding the target set in the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy, if government targets are met. There is a wave of action around the world with 88 GWe of new capacity under construction - the highest in 40 years.

The event, co-hosted by the French Government, the Comité Stratégique de la Filière Nucléaire (CSFN) and World Nuclear Association, took place during COP31. It reviewed how the Declaration has grown since its launch at COP28 in Dubai, when 22 countries first set out the shared ambition for global nuclear capacity to at least triple by 2050.

Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of World Nuclear Association, presented an update on progress towards tripling, drawing on the Association’s World Nuclear Outlook Report. Speakers highlighted national policy changes, renewed commitments and the practical steps – in finance, supply chains and skills – now needed to deliver new capacity at pace.

Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of World Nuclear Association said: “When 22 countries launched this Declaration at COP28, it was a statement of intent. Three years on, 39 countries stand behind it, and the conversation has moved from whether we triple nuclear capacity to how fast we can deliver it. That depends on decisions made in the next few years: making the most of the existing fleet, completing projects under way, committing to the next ones, unlocking investment, and investing in people and supply chains.

There is one more ask for COP31. The Presidency’s pledge to raise electricity to 35% of final energy demand by 2035 is a welcome ambition, but it does not specifically acknowledge the role nuclear could play. Reactors already under construction will add around 88 gigawatts by then, including four reactors here in Türkiye, and more will come from reactors due to start construction over the next few years. Clean energy should be treated on equal terms.”

Monique Barbut, Ministre de la Transition écologique, de la Biodiversité et des Négociations internationales sur le climat et la nature, said: “Tripling nuclear energy is not an ambition France holds alone. It is shared by a growing number of countries that see nuclear power as essential to reaching net zero while securing affordable, sovereign energy. Here at COP31, the message is clear: the momentum behind the Declaration continues to build. France will keep working with its partners to mobilize the finance, cooperation and international support needed to turn this commitment into reality.”

Robert Koffi Messan Eklo, Minister of Mines and Energy Resources for the Republic of Togo, said: “Africa’s energy future will be built on ambition, innovation, and clean power. Togo’s commitment to nuclear energy is a powerful signal of that future.”

Maria Faury, Head Coordinator of the French nuclear sector, CSFN, said: “France has been proud to support the Declaration since COP28, and we are delighted to welcome partners to the French Pavilion to take stock of what has been achieved. The French nuclear sector knows from experience what it takes to build and operate a fleet at scale: long-term policy, industrial capacity and skilled people. We stand ready to share that experience and to work with every country that chooses nuclear energy to meet its climate and energy security goals.”

Background Notes to Editors

• COP31 host Türkiye is about to become a nuclear power country. Unit 1 of the Akkuyu plant, the first of four reactors under construction there, is expected to generate its first electricity by the end of 2026, the result of more than a decade of international cooperation. Türkiye is targeting 20 GWe of nuclear capacity by mid-century, with further large plants planned and small modular reactors under consideration.
• The Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050 is now endorsed by 39 countries (2026 additions in bold), including: Armenia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, El Salvador, Finland, France, Ghana, Hungary, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Kosovo, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, Republic of Rwanda, Senegal, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Togo, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Many of the world’s largest financial institutions and major energy users have joined this coalition of the ambitious in support of the nuclear industry pledge to at least triple global nuclear capacity by 2050.

About French Nuclear Strategic Committee

The French Nuclear Strategic Committee (CSFN) translates the strategic orientations of the French nuclear sector into concrete actions and oversees the initiatives agreed upon within the framework of the nuclear sector strategic contract. It brings together all stakeholders of the French nuclear ecosystem within a tripartite structure: the State (represented by the Ministry of the Economy, Finance, Industrial and Energy Sovereignty), industrial players, and social partners. The CSFN is also responsible for maintaining relations with the National Industry Council (CNI).

For more information, visit www.csfn-nucleaire.org or contact contact@csfn-nucleaire.org