Nuclear Energy: A Strong Foundation for a Green Economy

In September, I participated in IAEA consultations on the application of climate standards to nuclear energy projects. The discussions brought together nuclear industry representatives and climate experts from different countries. My main takeaway was that these two professional communities still have much to learn from each other. That is quite challenging, considering the forthcoming COP31 and all the Just Transition negotiations.

Nuclear energy has one of the lowest carbon footprints among electricity generation technologies, comparable to those of wind and solar power. More than 50 countries include nuclear energy in their energy strategies for 2035-2050, seeking to advance the energy transition while strengthening energy security.

However, discussions about nuclear energy’s climate benefits often turn to broader safety and security issues. These concerns are familiar to the nuclear industry, and we recognize the importance of addressing them openly with all stakeholders – from government authorities deciding whether to develop a national nuclear energy program to local communities living near the site of a future NPP.

The nuclear energy sector operates under some of the world's most comprehensive safety regulations. Modern pressurized water reactor technologies, including Russian VVER reactors, combine active and passive safety systems and are designed to meet IAEA safety standards as well as post-Fukushima safety requirements. The same principles apply to small modular reactors (SMRs), a relatively new technology on the market. Rosatom’s RITM-200 SMR technology is based on more than 400 reactor-years of operating experience with small reactors aboard nuclear-powered icebreakers.

NPP safety is ensured throughout a plant's lifecycle, beginning with design and licensing for site selection, continuing with construction and operation. Safety assessments of NPP consider extreme external events, while environmental impact assessments and public consultations are part of the licensing process. During operation, NPPs remain subject to continuous monitoring and regulatory oversight. In addition, IAEA peer review missions assess how operational practices align with the Agency's safety standards.

The decision to develop and operate a nuclear power plant, even an SMR, is considerably more complex than a decision to build a wind farm. Nuclear energy requires more complex infrastructure and regulation, and workforce training than other low-carbon energy technologies.

However, this complexity comes with significant long-term benefits.

A nuclear power plant operates 24/7, providing reliable, low-carbon electricity for at least 60 years. A large NPP of 2000-2400 MW can meet the electricity needs of 7-10 million people. A 100 MW SMR can generate approximately 0.9 TWh annually, supporting energy-intensive industrial clusters such as petrochemical or metallurgical facilities seeking low-carbon electricity.

These benefits and their contribution to low-carbon economies are attracting the attention of international development banks. In 2025, several multilateral development banks, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, expressed interest in financing nuclear energy projects. The main task for the nuclear industry now is to present these banks with suitable, investment-ready projects. SMRs could be particularly promising in this context, given their smaller scale and shorter construction timelines compared with large NPP projects.

Today, as many countries develop energy strategies based on the principles of a just transition, they must balance environmental goals with economic and social priorities. Nuclear energy can make a valuable contribution to all three.

Ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, I hope nuclear energy will have a meaningful voice in the international dialogue and be recognized alongside other low-carbon energy sources as an important part of our energy future.