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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says global nuclear power capacity could more than triple by 2060 as countries race to secure reliable electricity.
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IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the nuclear revival is spreading beyond conventional electricity generation, with energy-intensive AI data centres
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The projected nuclear expansion comes with major safety and security risks, as the United Nations warns of increasing attacks on nuclear facilities
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The UN has meanwhile praised Nigeria’s development efforts, with Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed highlighting women’s empowerment, youth innovation, digital transformation and inclusive development during engagements in Ogun, Imo and Lagos.
September 15, (THEWILL) – The world is heading towards a major nuclear power revival, with global nuclear generating capacity potentially more than tripling by 2060 as artificial intelligence, surging electricity demand and energy-security concerns push countries towards dependable sources of power.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the growing appetite for nuclear energy reflected a fundamental shift in the global energy landscape, with countries increasingly looking beyond traditional power sources to guarantee stable electricity supplies.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi disclosed this at the agency’s 70th General Conference in Vienna, where thousands of delegates are examining the future of nuclear energy, nuclear safety, security and the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
Grossi said the renewed interest in nuclear power was being driven by rising electricity demand and the growing need for energy security.
He said the nuclear industry was also entering new territory, with emerging technologies and industries creating fresh opportunities for atomic energy.
One of the biggest drivers, according to the IAEA chief, is the explosive growth of artificial intelligence.
The expansion of AI systems has triggered a rapid increase in the number and size of data centres, which require huge amounts of reliable electricity to operate continuously.
Grossi said this growing demand could create significant opportunities for nuclear power because nuclear plants can provide stable, large-scale electricity supplies.
The development is potentially significant as countries and technology companies seek dependable energy sources capable of supporting increasingly power-intensive digital infrastructure.
Grossi also pointed to the maritime shipping industry as another sector where nuclear technology could assume a greater role.
He noted that shipping accounts for about 80 per cent of global trade, highlighting the enormous scale of the sector and the potential implications of introducing nuclear propulsion.
The renewed nuclear interest, he said, was not restricted to traditional nuclear powers.
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According to Grossi, developing countries are increasingly viewing nuclear energy as an important component of their economic development strategies.
“Many developing countries consider nuclear energy an essential element of their economic development,” he said, emphasising the need for a level playing field that would enable more countries to benefit from advances in nuclear science and technology.
The IAEA, he said, was assisting developing countries through training, capacity building and technology transfer to enable them to safely deploy nuclear technologies for development.
Beyond Electricity
Grossi said the benefits of nuclear technology extended far beyond electricity generation. He cited applications in cancer treatment, the fight against zoonotic diseases and environmental protection as examples of how nuclear science is contributing to human development.
The agency is therefore seeking to expand access to peaceful nuclear technology while ensuring that countries adopting the technology possess the necessary expertise and institutional capacity to operate it safely.
However, the nuclear revival is unfolding against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and growing risks to nuclear installations.
Grossi said the expansion of nuclear energy must go hand in hand with strong international cooperation, rigorous safety measures and effective safeguards.
He pointed to the continuing efforts of the IAEA to prevent a nuclear accident at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, which has remained a major concern amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
The IAEA has repeatedly stressed the need to protect nuclear facilities from military activity and other threats that could trigger a nuclear incident.
Grossi also acknowledged continuing challenges surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme. He said cooperation and verification remained necessary to provide credible assurances concerning the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities.
Guterres Raises Alarm
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a statement delivered on his behalf by Monica Juma, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, said the world was “on the cusp of a revolution in nuclear power generation”.
Guterres, however, warned that such a transformation must be accompanied by careful management and close monitoring. He expressed concern over increasing attacks on nuclear facilities and the continuing risks associated with nuclear proliferation.
The UN chief urged member states to support the IAEA’s work and provide predictable and sustainable funding for its Technical Cooperation Fund.
The fund helps developing countries gain access to nuclear science and technology for peaceful and developmental purposes.
The IAEA General Conference, the agency’s principal policymaking body, brings together member states and thousands of participants annually to deliberate on nuclear energy, safety, security and the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
About 4,000 participants are expected to attend this year’s conference throughout the week.
UN Hails Nigeria’s Development Efforts
Meanwhile, the United Nations has highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to advance inclusive development, women’s empowerment and youth-led innovation during a recent visit by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq disclosed this at a news conference at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday.
Haq said Mohammed visited Ogun and Imo States as part of her Nigeria engagements, where she met state governments and beneficiaries of development initiatives linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In Ogun, Mohammed met beneficiaries of the World Bank-supported Nigeria for Women Programme, which focuses on expanding opportunities and strengthening the economic participation of women. In Imo, she interacted with young innovators developing technology-based solutions.
“They are working on things like AI applications, drones, e-commerce platforms and e-governance tools,” Haq said.
He said Mohammed commended the two state governments for initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive development, healthcare, women’s empowerment, youth innovation and digital transformation.
Mohammed also met former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) in Ogun State.
The meeting focused on peacebuilding, sustainable development, youth leadership and strengthening governance institutions across Africa.
Haq said Mohammed was accompanied by members of the UN Country Team during the engagements. She also held discussions with Prof. Samuel Daramola, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of OOLI and a member of its Board of Trustees.
According to information from OOLI, Mohammed described the institute as a platform for leadership reflection and continuity.
Her Nigeria trip also included engagements in Lagos under an Africa-Diaspora Leadership Programme.
Haq said Mohammed subsequently travelled to South Africa for a meeting of the Africa Expert Panel, which focuses on advancing Africa’s development priorities and strengthening the continent’s voice in the global economic system.
Mohammed is expected to return to New York on Tuesday.
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