At COP28, 22 countries committed to triple global nuclear power capacity by 2050 – since then, they have been joined by 14 major banks and additional countries. To meet net-zero commitments and growing energy demand, nuclear new builds of multiple sizes and types will be needed. Small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear technologies represent clean energy solutions that, when built at scale, could deliver cost-effective carbon-free energy.

These technologies are well suited to meet many clean power and heat use cases for heavy industry, data centres and transport. Collaboration across the nuclear ecosystem is vital to improve the economics and bankability of new-builds through cost-competitive deployment models and timely project delivery. Moreover, public-private partnerships must develop enabling policies, drive modernization of regulations, and build a supply chain and workforce to deliver advanced nuclear and SMRs at scale.

This report presents a Framework for Accelerating Advanced Nuclear and Small Modular Reactor Deployment. Co-developed by the World Economic Forum with a wide range of experts, this tool aims to help align stakeholders on key actions needed to accelerate deployment.