Companies Pledge to Support Global Nuclear Energy Growth by 2050
Major Companies Sign Pledge to Support Global Nuclear Energy Growth
MAJOR companies such as Amazon and Google, along with shale company Occidental and Japanese heavy machinery maker IHI Corp, have signed a pledge to support the goal of at least tripling the world’s nuclear energy capacity by 2050. This pledge was signed on the sidelines of the CERAWeek conference in Houston.
Industry Leaders Emphasize the Importance of Nuclear Energy
"We are truly at the beginning of a new industry," said U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright in an interview at the CERAWeek conference. The pledge is expected to gain more support in the coming months from industries including maritime, aviation and oil and gas, said the World Nuclear Association (WNA), the nuclear industry group that facilitated the pledge.
Global Nuclear Energy Production
Nuclear energy, a source of clean power, generates 9% of the world’s electricity from 439 power reactors, according to WNA. It has also become a compelling solution for power-guzzling data centers, with Big Tech firms already having signed multiple billion-dollar deals with utilities. Nuclear energy is a crucial component in the fight against climate change, and its growth is expected to accelerate in the coming years.
Challenges in Meeting the Demand for Nuclear Energy
Despite the demand, the supply of uranium oxide, which is used in nuclear technology, is still constrained. Global uranium production is heavily concentrated in Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia, accounting for around two-thirds of global output in 2022, according to WNA. As of early 2025, the world had only around 411 nuclear power reactors operating, with a combined capacity of 371 gigawatts.
The Future of Nuclear Energy
Amazon, which has spent over $1 billion on nuclear energy projects and technologies, is exploring small modular reactor projects as well. Meta and Google are also looking into the nascent technology. The pledge is expected to lead to increased investment and innovation in the nuclear energy sector, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the goal of the nuclear energy pledge?
A: The goal is to support the tripling of the world’s nuclear energy capacity by 2050.
Q: Which companies have signed the pledge?
A: Major companies such as Amazon, Google, Occidental, and IHI Corp have signed the pledge.
Q: What are the benefits of nuclear energy?
A: Nuclear energy is a source of clean power and a crucial component in the fight against climate change.
Q: What are the challenges in meeting the demand for nuclear energy?
A: The supply of uranium oxide is still constrained, and global production is heavily concentrated in a few countries.
Q: What are the future prospects for nuclear energy?
A: The pledge is expected to lead to increased investment and innovation in the nuclear energy sector, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.