(Baku) – Kenya has joined a coalition of 31 nations pledging to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, aiming to bolster clean energy efforts and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This announcement was made during the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan, where ministers and high-level officials discussed strategies to combat climate change.
World Nuclear Association Director-General Dr. Sama Bilbao y León described the initiative as part of a “coalition of the ambitious” committed to achieving the Paris Agreement targets in a cost-effective and equitable way. Nuclear energy, recognized for the first time during COP28 as a key solution for keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, is now central to this coalition’s goals.
Kenya’s decision follows the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Belgium’s March 2024 Nuclear Energy Summit, where global leaders emphasized nuclear power’s role in reducing fossil fuel dependency, improving energy security, and driving economic development. Other new signatories include Nigeria, Kosovo, El Salvador, Kazakhstan, and Türkiye, joining 25 existing members like the US, UK, and France.
Unlike carbon-heavy fossil fuels, nuclear power is low-carbon and relies on the fission of atoms to produce continuous energy. This makes it a vital part of clean energy transitions, especially for countries seeking reliable and scalable energy sources.
Kenya’s special climate envoy, Ali Mohammed, underscored the country’s commitment to clean energy, stating that 95% of Kenya’s energy is already renewable, with a goal to reach 100% by 2030. “President William Ruto made bold moves to remove fossil fuel subsidies, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability,” he said in an exclusive interview.
During COP29, major financial institutions like Bank of America, Barclays, and Société Générale affirmed their support for nuclear energy, signaling potential investments to ensure the industry’s growth. Dr. León highlighted the long-term returns nuclear energy offers, describing it as a solution for global energy security and climate resilience.
Key Facts from the Declaration
| Nuclear Energy Goals | Details |
|---|---|
| Tripling Global Nuclear Capacity | Achieving by 2050 through innovative financing and sustainable practices. |
| Expanding Technology | Supporting advanced reactors for decarbonization, including hydrogen and synthetic fuel production. |
| Supply Chain Resilience | Promoting secure and sustainable fuel supply chains for nuclear power plants. |
| Investment Mobilization | Encouraging institutions like the World Bank and regional development banks to include nuclear energy in energy lending policies. |
| Safe and Responsible Operation | Ensuring safety, sustainability, and long-term waste management in nuclear power plant operations. |
Kenya’s commitment aligns with a global push to meet growing energy demands while addressing climate change. The coalition’s ambition is to integrate nuclear power as a sustainable, 24/7 energy solution for industrial and domestic needs.
Harjeet Singh, Global Engagement Director of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative, noted Africa’s dual challenges of energy access and climate action. With 600 million Africans still lacking electricity, Singh emphasized the need for substantial climate finance, proposing a $1.3 trillion annual goal.
The declaration encourages member nations to collaborate on nuclear infrastructure, financing mechanisms, and technology to meet shared energy goals. For Kenya, nuclear energy could complement its robust renewable energy sector, further solidifying its leadership in climate action.