Global Nuclear Policy: How Countries are Shaping the Future of Nuclear Energy

As the world races to meet ambitious climate goals, nuclear energy is emerging as a critical component in the global effort to decarbonize. However, the role that nuclear energy will play in the future depends significantly on the policies crafted by governments worldwide. These policies not only determine how nuclear technology is developed and deployed but also shape public perception, international collaboration, and long-term sustainability.

This article delves into the diverse approaches that countries are taking toward nuclear energy, highlighting key policy initiatives and exploring the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in shaping the future of nuclear power.

The Global Nuclear Landscape

Nuclear power is currently a part of the energy mix in 32 countries, providing about 10% of the world’s electricity. While some countries, such as the United States, France, and Russia, have established large-scale nuclear programs, others are newcomers or re-entering the field after decades of dormancy.

Global nuclear policies can generally be grouped into three categories:

• Expansion and Development

• Phase-out and Decommissioning

• Research and Innovation

Each of these strategies reflects a different vision for nuclear energy's role in addressing climate change, energy security, and technological advancement.

Countries Leading the Expansion and Development of Nuclear Power

1. China: The Nuclear Energy Powerhouse

China’s nuclear expansion is one of the most ambitious in the world. The country views nuclear power as essential to achieving its climate goals, particularly its pledge to reach net-zero emissions by 2060. As of 2024, China operates 57 nuclear reactors and has more than 20 under construction, making it one of the largest nuclear energy producers globally.

Key policy initiatives in China include significant government investment in nuclear technology and a focus on building domestic supply chains for reactor components. The country is also investing heavily in next-generation nuclear technologies, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced thorium reactors.

China's approach underscores a long-term strategy of using nuclear power to diversify its energy mix, reduce coal dependency, and lead in nuclear innovation on a global scale.

2. Russia: Expanding Domestically and Abroad

Russia is another major player in the nuclear energy market, with 37 operational reactors and a number of new projects in development. Rosatom, Russia's state-owned nuclear energy corporation, not only oversees domestic nuclear power but also exports nuclear technology around the world. The company is involved in building and financing nuclear plants in countries like Turkey, India, and Egypt, solidifying Russia’s role as a leader in global nuclear infrastructure.

Russian policy focuses on maintaining energy independence while using nuclear energy as a tool for geopolitical influence. By exporting reactors and offering favorable financing deals, Russia is shaping the nuclear landscape in emerging markets.

3. India: Balancing Energy Needs and Sustainability

India, home to one of the fastest-growing populations in the world, sees nuclear power as a solution to both its energy needs and its environmental goals. With a target of generating 25% of its electricity from nuclear by 2050, India is focusing on expanding its nuclear capacity while developing indigenous nuclear technology, particularly thorium-based reactors, which align with the country’s long-term energy security goals.

India’s nuclear policy emphasizes sustainability, with a focus on reducing fossil fuel dependency and ensuring energy security through domestic technology development. India’s unique geographic advantage—being rich in thorium—allows it to pursue innovative nuclear research to fuel future reactors.

Countries Phasing Out Nuclear Energy

1. Germany: The Energiewende (Energy Transition)

Germany’s nuclear policy has taken a very different direction. Following the Fukushima disaster in 2011, Germany announced its decision to phase out nuclear power entirely, a key part of its broader energy transition known as Energiewende. The country has since shut down the majority of its reactors and plans to close the remaining ones by the end of 2025.

Germany’s nuclear phase-out is coupled with a heavy investment in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. However, critics argue that the rapid phase-out has led to increased reliance on coal and natural gas, raising questions about the country’s ability to meet its climate goals.

Germany’s decision highlights the complexities of balancing energy security, environmental goals, and public perception in shaping nuclear policy.

2. Belgium: Balancing Public Opinion and Energy Needs

Belgium has also committed to phasing out nuclear power, with plans to shut down its reactors by 2025. However, political and public debate continues about the practicality of this plan, as nuclear currently provides about half of Belgium’s electricity. The government is exploring alternatives, but there are concerns that eliminating nuclear will lead to increased carbon emissions if fossil fuels are used to fill the gap.

Belgium’s experience reflects the tension many countries face between public opinion, which often associates nuclear power with safety risks, and the pragmatic need for low-carbon, reliable energy.

Countries Leading Nuclear Research and Innovation

1. United States: Reclaiming Leadership in Nuclear Innovation

The United States remains one of the largest producers of nuclear power, but new reactor development has stalled in recent decades. However, there is a renewed interest in advanced nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and nuclear fusion. The U.S. Department of Energy is heavily investing in research and development to lead the next wave of nuclear innovation.

U.S. policy is also pivoting towards creating a regulatory environment that encourages private investment in nuclear startups. Companies like TerraPower and NuScale Power are at the forefront of developing next-generation reactors that promise to be safer, more efficient, and more scalable than traditional large-scale nuclear plants.

2. France: Modernizing a Nuclear Legacy

France has long been a nuclear powerhouse, with approximately 70% of its electricity generated from nuclear energy. While it continues to rely heavily on nuclear power, France is now focusing on modernizing its aging fleet of reactors and investing in newer technologies such as SMRs and hydrogen production.

France’s nuclear policy includes reducing its overall nuclear dependency by 2035 while ensuring energy security through modernization efforts. The country remains a key player in shaping Europe’s nuclear future, particularly as other European countries face energy crises.

International Collaboration and Nuclear Policy

As nuclear energy becomes an essential tool for decarbonization, international collaboration is more important than ever. Organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) play a critical role in setting safety standards, facilitating nuclear technology transfers, and fostering collaboration between countries.

Global initiatives like the Paris Agreement have also created momentum for countries to reassess their nuclear policies in the context of climate goals. For many nations, nuclear energy represents a viable path to meet their emissions reduction targets while ensuring a stable energy supply.

Moreover, the proliferation of nuclear energy has brought about discussions on non-proliferation and security. Ensuring that nuclear materials are used solely for peaceful purposes remains a priority for international bodies, shaping policies that balance energy development with global safety.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the potential of nuclear power, countries must navigate several challenges as they shape their nuclear policies:

1. Public Perception: Misinformation and fear surrounding nuclear accidents continue to affect public acceptance of nuclear power. Countries need to invest in transparent communication and education to build public trust.

2. Waste Management: Long-term solutions for nuclear waste remain a significant hurdle for many countries. Policies that promote innovation in waste recycling and storage are crucial for the sustainable growth of nuclear energy.

3. Financial Barriers: Nuclear power requires significant upfront investment. Governments must create incentives and financing mechanisms to attract private investment in nuclear infrastructure and research.

   
   

Shaping the Future of Nuclear Energy

The future of nuclear energy depends on how countries shape their policies in the coming decades. As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy, nuclear energy offers a reliable, scalable solution to meet growing energy demands while reducing emissions. However, each country’s approach will depend on its unique political, economic, and social context.

Whether through expansion, phase-out, or innovation, nuclear policies are at the heart of the global energy transition. By crafting forward-thinking, balanced policies, countries can ensure that nuclear energy plays a key role in creating a sustainable, energy-secure future.