The Role of Nuclear Energy in Powering Universal Energy Abundance for Emerging Economies | RF
On December 3, The Rockefeller Foundation published its new report on the importance of nuclear energy for emerging economies. OP was a thought partner with The Rockefeller Foundation on this important and timely report that supports the critical role of nuclear energy in scaling clean power in emerging markets and developing economies. Key takeaways are that nuclear energy could deliver up to 30% of electricity generation and lower system costs by up to 31% by 2050 compared to renewables-only pathways. It also found that more nuclear power can enhance solar and wind generation by providing clean baseload power. The report also found that there is an important catalytic role for philanthropy to play in enabling and accelerating nuclear deployment in these markets.
China releases white paper on nuclear arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation
The People’s Republic of China’s State Council Information Office released a new white paper on nuclear weapons matters. According to journalist Slyvie Zhuang of the South China Morning Post, the paper emphasizes that “China will not seek a nuclear arms race and opposes the United States’ deployment of offensive missiles in Asia.”
South Korea’s president denies speculation of nuclear ambitions
During a foreign press briefing on Monday, Dec 1, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung sought to ease international concerns over the hypothetical prospect of South Korea developing nuclear weapons. Such anxieties arose after Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump reached a new $350 billion investment and security agreement in November that included U.S. approval for South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines.
Kansas to construct World’s first mile-deep nuclear reactor
The California-based nuclear startup Deep Fission announced that it plans to build the World’s first mile-deep nuclear reactor in Parsons, Kansas. There will be a ceremonial groundbreaking on Tuesday, December 9th, and company leaders said they hope to receive U.S. Department of Energy authorization and get its nuclear reactor up and running by next Fourth of July.
US to provide financial support for small reactors
On Tuesday, December 2, the U.S. Department of Energy announced it will provide up to $800 million to support the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) by the Tennessee Valley Authority and the private company Holtec. The Energy Department expects the SMRs to be developed by the early 2030s.
IAEA Hosts First International Symposium on AI and Nuclear Energy
Global energy and technology leaders, from government and the private sector, gathered this week at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria for the first ever International Symposium on AI and Nuclear Energy.