Energy: A Global Comeback
Faced with the climate emergency and geopolitical tensions, civil nuclear energy is making a strong global comeback. Between the imperative of decarbonization, energy security, and technological innovations, nuclear power is once again a central lever in energy policies. By the editorial team
Long relegated to the background in energy debates, nuclear power is strategically returning to public policies worldwide. The combination of successive energy crises, volatility in hydrocarbon markets, and the climate emergency has profoundly changed the perception of this energy, now seen as a key tool for reconciling energy sovereignty with carbon emission reductions.
10% of global electricity production
Today, nuclear energy accounts for about 10% of global electricity production, according to official data from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). More importantly, it represents nearly a quarter of low-carbon electricity worldwide, a major asset in the race to climate neutrality. This characteristic makes it a “dispatchable” energy source, capable of providing stable output, unlike intermittent renewable energies such as solar or wind.
This repositioning is part of a strong political dynamic. At COP28, more than twenty countries supported an ambitious goal: tripling global nuclear capacity by 2050. “We know from science, facts, and evidence that we cannot achieve net-zero by 2050 without nuclear,” said John Kerry at the event in Dubai. This orientation reflects a notable evolution in energy strategies, where nuclear is now considered complementary to renewables in hybrid electricity systems.
A sovereignty lever
Beyond climate issues, the geopolitical dimension plays a decisive role. International tensions and disruptions in supply chains have highlighted the vulnerability of states dependent on fossil fuel imports. In this context, nuclear power appears as a sovereignty lever, enabling secure domestic electricity production over the long term.
However, this revival comes with major structural challenges. Infrastructure costs remain high, with initial investments reaching several billion dollars per reactor. Added to this are construction delays, radioactive waste management, and social acceptance issues, which continue to hinder some projects, particularly in Europe.
To address these constraints, technological innovation plays an increasing role. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are attracting particular interest. More compact, potentially less expensive, and faster to deploy, they could facilitate nuclear access for emerging countries or medium-sized power grids. Several pilot projects are currently under development, supported by states and industry players.
At the same time, international institutions are strengthening their regulatory role. The International Atomic Energy Agency remains a central actor in ensuring the safety, security, and peaceful use of nuclear programs. It also supports countries seeking to develop nuclear capacities, including through regulatory frameworks and training programs.
The second World Nuclear Energy Summit, organized on March 10, 2026, in Paris by France and the IAEA, fits within this global dynamic. It confirmed the growing commitment of part of the international community to reposition nuclear as a pillar of future energy systems, complementing other low-carbon energy sources.
Africa: Growing but Emerging Interest
On the African continent, civil nuclear development remains at an early stage, but signs of interest are multiplying. To date, only South Africa has an active nuclear plant, Koeberg. However, several countries are actively exploring this option to meet rapidly growing electricity demand.
Rwanda is among the states engaged in this strategic reflection and participated in the Paris summit. President Paul Kagame stated that “nuclear will diversify our energy mix while providing the stability required for industrial growth and long-term transformation.” Kigali is developing an ambitious roadmap, particularly around modular reactors and micro-reactors, in partnership with international actors. The goal is to diversify its energy mix and secure long-term supply.
In a continent where more than 600 million people still lack access to electricity, according to the World Bank, nuclear could eventually represent a complementary solution to renewables to support industrialization and economic growth. However, its deployment will depend on many factors: financing capacity, regulatory stability, technical skills, and public acceptance.
