The climate crisis is one of the defining challenges of this generation. The world is not on track to limit global warming in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 1.5°C scenario and the window for action is narrowing rapidly. Nuclear energy offers a proven, scalable solution: tripling global capacity by 2050 could enable the world to reach net zero, avoiding up to 87 gigatonnes of emissions between 2020 and 2050.
Through a combination of long-term operation of existing reactors, new large-scale builds, and the deployment of advanced technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear could displace around 5 gigatonnes of emissions annually by mid-century—more than the entire current emissions of the United States economy today.
The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has been engaged on the role of nuclear energy in climate change mitigation over the last two decades. The NEA assists its member countries in maintaining and further developing, through international cooperation, the scientific, technological and legal bases required for a safe, environmentally sound and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. This includes a focus on everything from assessments of new supply chain needs and promoting a new generation of the nuclear workforce, to encouraging adequate regulation that accounts for the safe use of innovative reactor designs, advanced materials and new accident-tolerant fuels.
NEA analysis on the need to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050 was highlighted in the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy endorsed by 25 countries at the 28th meeting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai.
NEA at COP
The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) participates in the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP) to underscore the crucial role of nuclear energy in achieving global climate and energy objectives. Through expert-driven analysis, high-level dialogues, and collaboration with governments, industry, and civil society, the NEA provides evidence-based insights on how nuclear technologies can support decarbonisation, energy security, and sustainable development. By fostering informed discussions and sharing best practices, the NEA contributes to shaping policy frameworks that enable the deployment of low-carbon solutions worldwide.
Roadmaps to New Nuclear Ministerial Conference
The NEA, in collaboration with its member countries, launched the Roadmaps to New Nuclear Ministerial Conference to accelerate global nuclear energy deployment. Anchored by an annual high-level Ministerial Conference, co-hosted each year with different participating countries, the initiative convenes ministers, senior officials, CEOs, and industry leaders to address key enablers of new nuclear construction, including financing, supply chain readiness, and workforce development. Through international collaboration, strategic partnerships, and joint communiqués, the initiative drives practical solutions to ensure nuclear energy can meet long-term climate and energy goals.
Accelerating SMRs Initiative
The NEA launched the Accelerating SMRs Initiative at the 28th meeting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 30 November - 12 December 2023. The Accelerating SMRs Initiative leverages the NEA network of industry leaders, government officials, researchers and experts to establish a practical, solutions-oriented platform with a defined plan of work for collaboration and knowledge exchange to support decision makers in maximising the full potential of SMRs.
As a core element of this effort, the NEA publishes its SMR Dashboard editions, providing a comprehensive and independent assessment of the global SMR landscape. Complementing this, the NEA launched in July 2025 a digital version of the SMR Dashboard as an interactive platform that tracks SMR progress in real time across technology readiness, licensing, supply chains, and market deployment.
The Accelerating SMRs Initiative also features an Annual Summit, convening senior government officials and industry leaders to align strategies, address barriers, and accelerate SMR deployment worldwide.
