Fall Preview: Nuclear 🤝 Climate Events

Leaders across the world are committing to climate goals, and in growing numbers, countries are seeing nuclear energy play an essential role in sustainable development and decarbonization. This fall, governments, NGOs, the private sector, academia and more are meeting at three big international events where nuclear energy and climate action are on the agenda.

1. Global Clean Energy Action Forum
   September 20–23  |  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

   Later this month, the United States will host the Global Clean Energy Action Forum. Governments, international organizations, the private sector, academia, innovators, researchers and policymakers will gather to reflect on the steps taken so far in 2022 to build a new energy economy, improve energy security, and tackle climate change—while looking toward the most important transition human society has ever seen. 
   
   Nuclear energy will be a large part of the clean energy transition, providing always-on, carbon-free power, as well as jobs and affordable, reliable electricity. The event’s topical roundtables, panels, side events and other activities will feature the benefits nuclear energy can bring to the global community. There will also be an Advanced Nuclear Energy Business Forum that will provide information on the financial investment landscape of nuclear, opportunities for growth to deliver at scale, stakeholder perspectives, and more.

2. IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century
   October 26–28  |  Washington, D.C., USA

   For the first time, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Power Ministerial will be hosted by the U.S., which operates the largest fleet of reactors. The conference will provide a forum for ministers, policymakers, senior officials and experts to engage in high-level dialogue on the role of nuclear energy in the clean energy transition, as well as its contribution to sustainable development and climate change mitigation.
   
   According to the IAEA, about 440 nuclear power reactors operate in 32 countries, producing over a quarter of the world’s low-carbon electricity. Recently, we’re seeing even more countries express interest in the introduction of nuclear power. The sessions at this conference will cover maintaining the operating fleet, as well as charting a path forward to achieve net zero through improved regulatory oversight, wider deployment of nuclear energy, and increased engagement with younger, more diverse perspectives.

3. United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP27
   November 6–18  |  Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

   Over 35,000 people are expected to gather at this year’s annual climate change conference hosted by the United Nations in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The latest IPCC report recognized that urgent action needs to be taken to keep the 1.5-degree target set by the Paris Agreement within reach. Egypt is assuming the incoming Presidency of COP27 “with a clear recognition of the gravity of the global climate challenge and appreciation of the value of multilateral, collective and concerted action as the only means to address this truly global threat.” 
   
   The vision for this year’s conference is moving from planning to implementation, harmonizing global efforts, and strengthening our ability to create a resilient planet. Nuclear energy is key to achieving these goals, and its importance will be highlighted at the event. The nuclear community will use this opportunity to work with policymakers on enhancing global support for nuclear energy, providing access to financing, and expanding capacity for new builds.

Stay tuned at nei.org/news for the latest developments coming out of this fall’s climate events.