The Role of Nuclear Power in Developing Economies in the Transition to Net Zero

This K4DD Rapid Evidence Review explores the role of nuclear power in developing economies in the transition to net zero.

Nuclear power is projected to assume an increasingly important role as part of low carbon energy transitions for climate change. Nuclear energy is attractive for many developing economies due to the opportunity to expand energy production, while reducing emissions relative to fossil fuel plants.

However, nuclear energy is contested due to high upfront costs, safety and security concerns around the nuclear fuel cycle, including the risks of the diversion of fissile materials for weapons and the management of radioactive waste, and the time taken to develop the infrastructure for nuclear power plants, including end-of-life decommissioning.

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