Launch of the Global Coalition for Nuclear Philanthropy to support the safe expansion of nuclear energy

International Affairs ( Vivek Ojha) :

The Rockefeller Foundation and Temasek Trust on May 19 announced the launch of the Global Coalition for Nuclear Philanthropy (GCNP), a new international initiative aimed at mobilising philanthropic funding to support nuclear energy as part of the global clean energy transition. The coalition seeks to bring together philanthropic organisations, policy experts and financial institutions to support the safe expansion of nuclear energy for energy security, economic growth and climate goals.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electricity demand is expected to record one of its highest growth rates between 2024 and 2026 due to rising temperatures and increased energy consumption. Speaking at the summit, Ashvin Dayal, senior vice president for power at The Rockefeller Foundation, said nuclear energy would play a key role alongside renewable energy sources in meeting future energy needs. “Universal energy abundance — the kind that powers industries, anchors economies, and raises living standards for billions — requires firm, clean power alongside renewables,” he said. He said new-generation nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), are advancing rapidly and becoming more affordable, opening opportunities for developing and emerging economies to integrate clean baseload power into their energy mix.

“Getting there will take serious work on policy, regulation, finance and human capital. That is precisely why we are forming the Global Coalition for Nuclear Philanthropy now,” Mr. Dayal said. Desmond Kuek, Executive Director and CEO of Temasek Trust, said the initiative aimed to promote informed discussions and responsible approaches to nuclear energy. “Nuclear power is a vital clean energy source that can help address the climate crisis,” he said.

The initiative aligns with the COP28 Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy, under which more than 30 countries pledged to triple global nuclear power capacity by 2050 to support. The GCNP has outlined four key focus areas over the next five to 10 years: building public support for nuclear energy, developing talent and institutions, improving financing structures, and strengthening global safety and governance frameworks. The coalition said it also plans to support countries exploring the integration of nuclear energy into their long-term clean energy strategies.