Oxford – Nuclear Energy in the Global Energy Landscape

The issue of energy security in the global landscape has been underscored by the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting the crucial role of nuclear power generation for ensuring secure and reliable energy sources. The recent global stocktake agreement at COP28 also emphasizes the significance of nuclear energy in the transition towards zero- and low-emission technologies. However, the expansion of nuclear energy faces challenges such as economic viability, evolving technologies, regulatory frameworks, public acceptance, and geopolitics. The Oxford Energy Forum aims to foster discussions on nuclear energy, offering diverse perspectives on its benefits and limitations. The forum explores the arguments for and against nuclear power generation, with a focus on advancing sustainability and energy security. While nuclear power is efficient and safe, its share of global electricity has declined over the years. Technological advancements, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and nuclear fusion, offer potential solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. However, the success of SMRs hinges on addressing challenges such as spent fuel disposal and ensuring safety and security. Fusion energy, although promising, requires stable regulatory and policy environments to unlock its full potential.