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A global summit focused on expanding the use of civilian nuclear power will begin in Paris on Tuesday, bringing together representatives from around 40 countries and international organisations.
The meeting will be opened by Emmanuel Macron, president of France, and will bring renewed attention to energy security as tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran showcase global dependence on fossil fuels.
Delegations from major powers, including the United States and China, are expected to attend the summit. However, Russia, another leading nuclear power, will not participate due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Global confidence in nuclear energy suffered a major setback after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, which revived fears previously raised by the Chernobyl disaster of 1986.
The International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA), which is co-hosting the conference alongside the International Energy Agency, has projected that global nuclear power generation could double by 2050.
IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi said about 40 countries have either begun constructing nuclear reactors or are exploring plans to do so.
Meanwhile, IEA Chief Fatih Birol noted that European nations in particular have strong reasons to reinforce energy independence by expanding renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
In recent years, however, interest in nuclear power has grown again as countries seek greater energy independence and cleaner alternatives to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
According to the World Nuclear Association, nuclear energy currently generates about nine percent of the world’s electricity, with roughly 440 reactors operating across about 30 countries.
