The Roadmaps to New Nuclear 2024 conference, held on 19-20 September in Paris, saw government officials and industry leaders gather to discuss the expansion of nuclear energy.
Hosted by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and Sweden’s Ministry of Climate and Enterprise, the event aimed to identify practical solutions to scale up nuclear projects, enhance energy security, and promote economic growth.
Representatives from 21 nations reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging nuclear technology as a vital tool in the fight against climate change.
Nuclear energy: A critical path to net zero
At the heart of the discussions was the challenge of achieving net zero carbon emissions through nuclear energy expansion.
With the global demand for clean energy growing, the conference participants underscored the urgency of speeding up nuclear developments. A joint communiqué from the attending energy ministers stressed the need to triple nuclear energy capacity worldwide by 2050.
“Recognising the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for enhanced energy security, we underscore the strategic importance of nuclear energy in achieving a clean, sustainable, climate-neutral future,” the ministers stated.
Their commitment reflected the growing global consensus that nuclear energy is key to both decarbonisation and energy independence.
Collaboration and commitment to nuclear growth
The conference focused on practical steps to accelerate nuclear energy expansion, including the construction of new reactors and the extension of the lifespan of existing ones.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) also featured prominently, with delegates highlighting the need to expedite their deployment. SMRs are seen as a game-changer in the nuclear sector due to their flexibility and lower upfront costs.
International cooperation was a major theme throughout the event. Regulatory bodies, including the NEA Committee on Nuclear Regulatory Activities (CNRA), called for stronger collaboration between countries to streamline safety regulations and ensure efficient and safe development of nuclear power.
The regulators emphasised the need for an efficient framework that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy while maintaining high safety standards.
Overcoming workforce and financing challenges
One of the key barriers to nuclear energy expansion is the need for a skilled workforce. To meet the demands of a growing nuclear sector, ministers acknowledged the importance of training a new, diverse generation of professionals.
In parallel, supply chain resilience was identified as critical for the success of new nuclear technologies like SMRs.
Financing was another significant focus, with participants exploring strategies to attract both public and private investment.
International financial institutions and multilateral development banks were seen as potential partners in unlocking climate financing for nuclear projects.
Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ebba Busch, emphasised her country’s commitment to nuclear growth, revealing plans to add 2.5 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2035.
The future of nuclear energy expansion
The conference concluded with a call for sustained international efforts to expand nuclear energy. The next edition of the Roadmaps to New Nuclear conference, to be co-chaired by the Government of Korea in 2025, will continue to focus on collaborative solutions for nuclear energy expansion.
William Magwood, IV, Director-General of the NEA, highlighted the urgency of acting now to meet the world’s rising energy needs and address climate change. “This is exactly the right time to deal with these issues. We have to take action now,” he said, reinforcing the collective determination to advance nuclear energy as a key solution to the climate and energy crises.
As the global community moves towards a low-carbon future, nuclear energy expansion will remain central to ensuring sustainable, secure, and reliable energy for all.
