Industry

How can we shape the global nuclear future?

March 20, 2025, 9:30AMNuclear NewsFiona Rayment

Fiona Rayment

Shaping the global nuclear future requires an understanding of nuclear’s role in addressing national and energy security endeavors together with foresight into the energy sector’s future needs. Nuclear typically produces reliable baseload electricity, but it could also play an important role in economically viable cogeneration. In addition, future electricity demand will require significant enhancements to baseload generation. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of innovation, collaboration, capacity enhancements, and focused strategic investments.

Nuclear is increasingly recognized as essential to enabling energy security and achieving net-zero emissions. The United Kingdom has demonstrated leadership in this area, with initiatives such as the Young Generation Network’s global #NetZeroNeedsNuclear campaign at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. Efforts like these are impossible without international collaboration.

To shape a sustainable nuclear future, addressing the skills gap is critical. Meeting the industry’s ambitious targets may require a 300 percent increase in the workforce by 2050. The Nuclear Skills Strategy is aimed at rebuilding the expertise that made the U.K. a global leader in the 1950s. Other initiatives to inspire and train the next generation are being implemented, including apprenticeships and early STEM engagement, which are proving effective in attracting diverse talent, especially women.

At the Nuclear Institute, we believe that communication is key. As NI’s president, I emphasize the need to actively engage with the public and policymakers to dispel myths and highlight the industry’s contributions to energy security and economic growth. NI is prioritizing expanding and diversifying membership, increasing the profile of NI, and evolving the nation’s professional accreditations and operations and enhanced opportunities for networking and sharing best practices to better serve its members and the wider industry. All of these will help deliver our vision of “a connected community of nuclear professionals delivering a sustainable future.”

NI works closely with organizations like the European Nuclear Society and the American Nuclear Society to foster global coordination, ensuring best practices and innovations are shared across borders. By fostering international partnerships, investing in a skilled workforce, and driving innovation, the nuclear sector can play a transformative role in shaping a sustainable global energy future. With organizations like ANS and NI—together with amazing people—the path to national and energy security powered by nuclear energy becomes increasingly achievable.

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#netzeroneedsnuclearbaseload electricitycapacity enhancementscop26ensfiona raymentnuclear institutenuclear skills strategyukygn
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