As nations intensify their efforts to meet the Paris Agreement targets, the global conversation on clean energy is undergoing a marked evolution. Alongside renewables such as wind and solar, nuclear power is regaining recognition as a vital pillar of a sustainable, low-carbon future.
According to Polina Lion, Chief Sustainability Officer at Rosatom, nuclear energy is already acknowledged as a low-carbon source on par with renewables and as an equal participant in the global dialogue on climate and energy transformation. “It provides about 10 percent of global electricity and roughly a quarter of all low-carbon power, avoiding vast amounts of carbon dioxide emissions every year. Without it, net-zero goals would become practically unattainable,” she notes.
The International Energy Agency estimates that global nuclear generation will need to at least double by 2050 to achieve carbon neutrality. At COP28, the international nuclear community went further still, unveiling the Net Zero Nuclear Industry Pledge – an ambitious commitment to triple global nuclear capacity by mid-century.
Ms. Lion emphasises that nuclear energy’s growing importance lies not only in its environmental credentials but also in its reliability. Unlike intermittent renewables, nuclear power provides stable baseload electricity, essential for energy security and grid stability. “Nuclear energy offers greenhouse gas emissions as low as those of wind and solar, but at the same time guarantees continuous power generation 24/7, which is vital for energy systems worldwide,” she explains.
Modern nuclear technologies are also becoming increasingly adaptable. Beyond large-scale plants serving millions, small modular reactors (SMRs) – ranging from 50 to 300 MW – are emerging as scalable solutions for regions with limited grid infrastructure. With operational lifespans extending up to a century, nuclear power also supports long-term industrial growth and skilled employment. “For a just and efficient energy transition, all low-carbon technologies, including nuclear, must be part of the equation,” Ms. Lion adds.
Rosatom as a global nuclear market leader strongly advocates for the inclusion of nuclear energy within international climate frameworks. As discussions continue at COP30 in Brazil, the corporation is promoting the integration of nuclear power into national climate strategies. “ Last years only nine out of 31 nuclear-operating countries included nuclear in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs),” Ms. Lion recalls. “Today with NDCs updates that number exceeds twenty, including the USA, Canada, the UK, China, India, the UAE, and Russia. This is a good sign that nuclear is increasingly recognised as a tool to meet national climate goals.”
Rosatom’s green products portfolio extends well beyond nuclear and includes wind energy, energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and environmental projects. The company also supports youth and educational initiatives that highlight nuclear energy’s contribution to global decarbonisation efforts.
Rosatom has likewise played a proactive role in supporting presentation of nuclear projects in Russia’s updated NDCs. “When the NDC update was underway, we proposed how to integrate nuclear projects into it by demonstrating their climate benefits,” Ms. Lion says. “In Russia, nuclear already accounts for more than half of all low-carbon generation. In late 2024, a decision was made to increase its share in electricity generation from 20 to 24 percent by 2042 and we will benefit from it in regard of the country’s climate performance.”
A major milestone for the nuclear industry came in 2024, when the World Bank lifted its decade-long prohibition on nuclear financing. “This was a breakthrough decision,” Lion comments. “It signalled to financial institutions that nuclear is a clean energy source, opening opportunities for green financing mechanisms.” The BRICS New Development Bank soon followed, confirming the inclusion of nuclear projects in its new strategy. According to Lion, this development is expected to stimulate investment in SMR projects, particularly given their smaller scale and shorter construction timelines.
SMRs, she notes, represent one of the most promising pathways for expanding access to clean energy in developing regions. “SMRs cost about ten times less than large nuclear facilities. For countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, they can complement renewables and help phase down fossil fuels.” Their smaller footprint and lower capital requirements make them well-suited to countries with limited infrastructure. If nuclear energy is recognised within green taxonomies, SMRs could also qualify for low-cost green financing, enabling broader access to clean, reliable energy.
Rosatom continues to develop advanced nuclear technologies, including fast neutron reactors, floating and onshore SMRs, and a closed nuclear fuel cycle. These innovations are designed to reduce the carbon footprint and maximise the climate and ecological efficiency of nuclear generation. “Closing the fuel cycle addresses the issue of spent fuel management while conserving natural resources,” Ms. Lion explains. “Our goal is to create a two-component nuclear system where traditional reactors like VVERs work alongside Generation IV fast reactors.” Currently, Unit 4 of the Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia operates the world’s only fast neutron reactor using mixed oxide (MOX) fuel derived from spent fuel – a key step towards sustainable nuclear energy.
International cooperation remains central to Rosatom’s green agenda. A notable example is the “Green Future” competition within BRICS, which supports women-led environmental projects and fosters an ecosystem of sustainability leadership across member nations. Rosatom is also expanding partnerships in Africa, Central and Southeast Asia, and Latin America, offering clean energy solutions, agricultural irradiation technologies, and industrial applications that contribute to local sustainable development. “Education and empowerment, especially of women in the green sector, are integral to our work,” Ms. Lion concludes. “We aim to strengthen global partnerships around nuclear energy’s role in decarbonisation and ensure a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
As COP30 progresses, achieving the goal of tripling nuclear capacity by 2050 will require coordinated international action – from policy alignment to financial innovation. “The most important step has already been taken, nuclear is part of the global climate agenda,” says Ms. Lion. “The next steps include expanding access to green financing, integrating nuclear into green taxonomies and international carbon markets, and ensuring that energy transition strategies remain inclusive of all low-carbon technologies.”
As the global community engages in discussions in Brazil, nuclear power stands ready not as an alternative to renewables, but as their essential partner – ensuring that the world’s energy transition remains clean, reliable, and affordable.