Nuclear for Climate at COP29

At COP29, the global initiative Nuclear for Climate brought together 30 members from 17 countries to highlight the strategic importance of nuclear energy in the fight against climate change.

Nuclear for Climate (N4C), an initiative founded in 2015 by the European Nuclear Society (ENS), the French Nuclear Society (Sfen), and the American Nuclear Society (ANS), unites over 150 scientific and industrial associations to promote nuclear energy as a cornerstone in combating climate change. N4C raises awareness among policymakers and citizens about the urgency of an energy transition that leverages all decarbonisation tools.

At COP29, the N4C booth hosted a young delegation of 30 members from 17 countries, fostering dialogue with other organisations and national delegations. Notably, a roundtable discussion with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Canadian Nuclear Association, and Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) explored synergies between nuclear energy and renewables at the Canada Pavilion. N4C also contributed to discussions on energy transition at the Arctic Pavilion, addressing key challenges for isolated communities.

Additionally, N4C participated in an event with the World Nuclear Association (WNA) and Amazon to emphasise the benefits of nuclear energy for industrial applications. This visibility resulted in significant media coverage, including notable features in the New York Times.

Our amazing delegates sharing their message with @iaeaorg, thank you for hearing our voices! https://t.co/OX7uNVUVju

— Nuclear for Climate (@Nuclear4Climate) November 16, 2024

Nuclear Energy at COP29

COP29 was marked by statements in favour of fossil fuels from the host country and significant disagreements over financing, the central theme of this COP.

Regarding nuclear energy, while the final agreement did not explicitly mention nuclear power or refer to the text from COP28, six new countries — including Turkey, Kenya, and Kazakhstan — joined the initiative to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, bringing the total number of signatories to 31[1].

Meanwhile, the United States, aiming for 200 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050, began detailing its roadmap, with an interim goal of 35 GW in additional capacity under construction or operational by 2035.

These commitments underscore the growing global interest in nuclear energy. The next meeting will take place in Brazil in November 2025 for COP30. ■