Long relegated to the background in energy debates, nuclear power is making a strategic comeback in public policies around the world. The combination of successive energy crises, oil market volatility, and climate urgency has profoundly changed the perception of this energy, now considered a tool for reconciling energy sovereignty and carbon emission reduction.
Nuclear energy: 10% of global electricity production
Today, nuclear energy accounts for around 10% of global electricity production, according to official data from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Moreover, it represents almost a quarter of the low-carbon electricity produced in the world, a major asset in the race towards climate neutrality. This characteristic makes it a so-called “dispatchable” energy, capable of providing stable production, unlike intermittent renewable energies such as solar and wind.
This repositioning is part of a strong political dynamic. At COP28, more than twenty countries supported an ambitious goal: to triple global nuclear capacities by 2050. “We know through science, facts, and evidence that we cannot achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 without nuclear,” John Kerry stated at the event in Dubai. This orientation reflects a notable evolution in energy strategies, where nuclear power is now seen as complementary to renewables in hybrid electric systems.
A lever for sovereignty
Beyond climate issues, the geopolitical dimension plays a decisive role. International tensions and disruptions in supply chains have highlighted the vulnerability of states dependent on fossil fuel imports. In this context, nuclear power emerges as a lever for sovereignty, allowing for securing long-term domestic electricity production.
However, this resurgence is accompanied by major structural challenges. The cost of infrastructure remains high, with initial investments reaching several billion dollars per reactor. To this are added issues of construction delays, management of radioactive waste, and social acceptability, which continue to hinder some projects, particularly in Europe.
To address these constraints, technological innovation is playing an increasingly important role. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are of particular interest. More compact, potentially less expensive, and quicker to deploy, they could facilitate access to nuclear power for emerging countries or medium-sized electrical networks. Several pilot projects are currently in development, supported by states and industry.
At the same time, international institutions are strengthening their regulatory role. The International Atomic Energy Agency remains a key player in ensuring the safety, security, and peaceful nature of nuclear programs. It also supports countries wishing to develop nuclear capacities, particularly through regulatory frameworks and training programs.
The second global summit on nuclear energy, held on March 10, 2026 in Paris by France and the IAEA, is part of this global dynamic. It confirmed the growing desire of a significant part of the international community to reposition nuclear energy as a pillar of future energy systems, alongside other low-carbon energy sources.
Africa: Growing interest but still emerging
In Africa, the development of civil nuclear power remains at an embryonic stage, but signals of interest are multiplying. To date, only South Africa has an operational nuclear power plant, Koeberg. However, several countries are actively exploring this option to meet the rapid growth in electricity demand.
Rwanda is among the countries engaged in this strategic reflection and participated in the Paris summit. President Paul Kagame stated that “nuclear will diversify our energy mix while providing the stability needed for industrial growth and long-term transformation.” Kigali is developing an ambitious roadmap, particularly around modular reactor technologies and micro-reactors, in partnership with international actors. The goal is to diversify its energy mix and secure its long-term supply.
In a continent where more than 600 million people still lack access to electricity according to the World Bank, nuclear power could ultimately provide a complementary solution to renewables to support industrialization and economic growth. However, its deployment will depend on many factors: financing capacity, regulatory stability, technical skills, and societal acceptability.
Nuclear energy energy transition decarbonization energy sovereignty AIEA COP28 climate innovation SMR Africa Rwanda World Bank energy security energy policies
