The resurgence of nuclear power

The recent nuclear energy summit held in France has drawn significant international attention, as many countries discussed strategies to position nuclear power as a key pillar of future energy systems.

Amid a volatile global landscape marked by escalating geopolitical conflicts, nuclear energy is increasingly seen as a strategic solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and ensure a stable and reliable energy supply—the lifeblood of modern economies.

Recent geopolitical conflicts have exposed significant vulnerabilities in global energy security. Following the outbreak of tensions in the Middle East, oil and gas supplies from the world’s “black gold” hub were immediately disrupted, pushing fuel prices to record highs.

Crude oil prices surged to their highest levels in four years, raising concerns over inflationary pressures. This shock has placed substantial strain on many economies—particularly those heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels.

Amid growing uncertainty in global supply chains, energy self-sufficiency—especially through nuclear power development—has gained renewed attention.

At the recent nuclear energy summit co-hosted by the French government and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized that nuclear energy is a critical component in addressing supply challenges.

With advantages such as high reliability, large-scale output, and independence from weather conditions, geopolitical risks, and transport disruptions, nuclear power is increasingly viewed as a strategic solution to ensure energy security in a volatile oil market.

Historically, nuclear energy development has been controversial in many countries due to concerns over nuclear safety incidents. However, with advancements in technology enhancing safety and minimizing emissions, nuclear power is now considered a key instrument for achieving the dual objectives of energy security and climate goals.

As a result, many countries have reversed their stance on nuclear energy in recent years. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged that the EU’s previous decision to turn away from civilian nuclear energy was a strategic mistake.

According to her, heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels has made Europe highly vulnerable to geopolitical shocks and energy price volatility. Alongside EU nations, countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and South Korea are accelerating their nuclear energy programs to remain competitive.

Recently, the South Korean government confirmed plans to build two additional nuclear reactors, expected to be completed by 2038 at the latest. Meanwhile, Indonesia is planning its first nuclear power plant, with operations expected to begin during the 2032–2034 period.

According to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, around 40 countries worldwide have either begun constructing or expressed interest in developing nuclear reactors to meet rising energy demand.

The resurgence of nuclear energy is also seen as an inevitable outcome of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), electrification, and digitalization, all of which are significantly increasing global energy consumption.

Data centers—which store, process, and analyze massive volumes of data for applications such as e-commerce, digital finance, and AI—require large and stable electricity supplies, further intensifying demand pressures.

Recognizing this growing need, major technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have increasingly announced investments in nuclear energy to address the surging power demand of data infrastructure.

Despite gaining renewed attention, nuclear energy still holds a relatively modest share in the global energy mix, accounting for only around 10% of total electricity generation worldwide. Expansion has remained gradual due to high capital costs, long construction timelines, and significant technical barriers.

To achieve the target of tripling global nuclear capacity by 2050, countries face multiple challenges, including ensuring strict safety standards, securing fuel supply, developing supply chains, and training a skilled workforce.

The current energy price shock driven by Middle East tensions presents both challenges and opportunities, acting as a strong catalyst for accelerating energy transition efforts.

In this context, the resurgence of nuclear power is not only inevitable but also a critical pillar for ensuring long-term energy security.

According to nhandan.vn

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