In a world that is becoming increasingly electrified, the importance of integrating nuclear power into broader strategies for achieving climate goals becomes evident. In a webinar in partnership with Audacia, Eric Benoist, Tech & Data Research Specialist, and Laurence Porruncini, Tech Banker at Natixis CIB, invited four renowned panelists to explore how recent policy developments and innovative technologies are ensuring the role of nuclear energy as a reliable, low-carbon, and affordable source of power.
With Pierre Jérémie, co-author of the report Achieving the EU's Energy Ambitions (Institut Montaigne), Nicolas Breyton, Founder & CEO of Stellaria, Frédéric Varaine, Founder & CEO of Otrera Energy, and Giuseppe Sangiovanni, Exergon Founder & Managing Partner of Audacia.
Watch the replay
Global demand for electricity is set to grow six times as fast as overall energy demand in the coming decade, driven by the need to power everything from industrial machinery and air conditioning to electric vehicles and data centers.
In this context, the momentum for nuclear power is accelerating. Today, nuclear power provides 9% of global electricity supply and is the second-largest source of low-emission electricity after hydropower. Annual investment in the sector - including new plants and lifetime extensions of existing ones - has increased by almost 50% between 2021 and 2023, exceeding 60 billion dollars. Generation from the world’s fleet of nearly 420 reactors is on track to reach new heights in 2025.
- Japan is restarting production, maintenance work has been completed in France, and new reactors are beginning commercial operations in various markets, including China, India, Korea, and Europe.
- Support for expanding the use of nuclear power is in place in more than 40 countries, with over 63 nuclear reactors currently under construction, representing more than 70 gigawatts of capacity—one of the highest levels seen since 1990.
Still, while the social acceptability of nuclear energy is gradually improving and its decarbonized, controllable, and scalable nature is now well understood, the debate over its overall sustainability remains strong.
In Europe, nuclear power was officially added to the EU Taxonomy for sustainable activities through the adoption of the Complementary Climate Delegated Act (CCDA) in 2022. However, it was only recognized as a 'transitional' activity, i.e., a bridge to a fully renewable-based energy system. Strict conditions were attached in terms of technology standards, waste management, and project timelines, which may prevent it from reaching its full potential for the energy transition.
Science and technology are already offering compelling solutions to these questions without compromising safety. Moreover, they also ensure a more cost-efficient and competitive future for the entire industry.
This will require substantial funding and the implementation of an adequate regulatory and public support framework to ensure a successful outcome for the vibrant ecosystem of privately funded startup innovators that is gradually emerging around the world.
