Seizing the nuclear moment: reflections on 50 years of progress

When the first World Nuclear Symposium met in London in the mid-1970s, there were 123 nuclear reactors operating (42 GWe capacity), a tenth of the capacity we have today. The symposium gathered a modest audience from the nuclear sector and academia, with optimistic belief in the emerging technology. The global energy landscape was even more dominated by fossil fuels, while around half the global population lacked access to stable electricity, and few could have predicted the urgent climate challenges we now face.

Fifty years later, we are in an important moment for nuclear. More than 30 countries have signed the declaration to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 – a bold commitment that reinforces what the science already tells us: there is no credible pathway to net zero without a major expansion of nuclear power. Governments now recognise nuclear energy as a critical component of resilient and reliable electricity systems, one which enhances national security and economic competitiveness, and reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels, shielding citizens from the volatility of global energy markets.

Expanding nuclear capacity

As well as governments, the finance community and major energy users, like technology companies, all agree that nuclear capacity must expand to meet energy goals. Financial institutions have increased engagement with the nuclear sector, to better understand these investments in terms of sustainability and long-term economic benefits. While industrial end users of energy see nuclear as central to providing abundant clean 24/7 power, technology companies are exploring ways to integrate nuclear power with digital infrastructure and accelerate its development to power data centres.

Innovation is part of the fabric of nuclear technology and has been central to optimising the performance of the current fleet of nuclear reactors, as advanced and modular reactor designs will complement gigawatt-scale deployment to broaden the application of nuclear energy. We are transforming the economics of nuclear, moving from projects to programmes
to drive efficiency and facilitate cost certainty.

Going further and faster

But we need to go further and faster. Ambition alone is not enough. Governments must turn policy commitments into concrete infrastructure. That means reforming regulatory frameworks to speed up approvals without compromising safety, and ensuring nuclear energy is fully integrated into broader clean energy strategies. Countries must create clear pathways for licensing, financing, and constructing new plants, while also investing in the workforce needed to operate them and maintain their performance. Public engagement and transparent communication will be essential to building the social license for this expansion. This is the vision required to energise the future now.

Actioning this ambitious vision is what we’ll be discussing at the 50th World Nuclear Symposium. The gathering in London brings together policymakers, investors, alongside business and industry leaders from around the world to share best practices, explore technological breakthroughs, and address the challenges that remain. Discussions will focus on everything from the latest reactor designs to financing mechanisms, workforce development, and strategies to deploy new reactors at the scale and speed the world needs.

Charting the next chapter of innovation

The nuclear industry is ready. The technology is proven. The workforce is growing. And the political momentum is real. We have seen a new era of commitment, both at the national and international levels, with governments, the World Bank and private investors aligning on the urgent need to expand nuclear capacity. But momentum alone will not build reactors. It requires bold action, strategic investments, and careful long-term planning. The 50th World Nuclear Symposium is an opportunity to celebrate decades of progress but, most importantly, to chart the next chapter of nuclear innovation and leadership. The decisions we make today will shape the global energy system for decades to come, in other words, the prosperity of the world for the next generation. By acting decisively, we will ensure that nuclear power delivers on its potential to provide clean, reliable, and economical energy for all.

The question is no longer whether nuclear can play a greater role in our energy future — it is clearly an essential part of the solution. The question is whether we have the courage, vision, and determination to make it happen. At this pivotal moment, the opportunity is ours to seize.