Global interest in nuclear power has increased in recent years. In an article for African Law & Business, Haynes Boone Partners Nick Davis and Conrad Purcell and Associate Kayley Rousell discuss how this increase in popularity is driving innovation in how African uranium mining projects are financed.
Read an excerpt below.
In recent years global interest in nuclear power has seen a notable resurgence. This renewed focus is largely driven by the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. As countries seek reliable, low-carbon energy sources, nuclear power is increasingly seen as a viable solution that can provide stable baseload electricity while complementing intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar.
Several nations, including China, India, and Russia, are expanding their nuclear energy programmes, while others like France, the United Kingdom, and the United States are investing in modernising existing reactors and developing next-generation technologies such as small modular reactors. These newer designs promise enhanced safety, lower costs, and greater scalability.
In Europe, the energy crisis triggered by geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in Ukraine, has highlighted the vulnerability of fossil fuel dependence, prompting several governments to reconsider or delay nuclear phase-outs. Japan, once cautious after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, is also restarting reactors to ensure long term energy security.
Public opinion is also gradually shifting, with growing awareness of the role nuclear energy will likely play in a sustainable future. While challenges remain, such as waste management, cost, and regulatory hurdles, the global trajectory suggests a steady revival of nuclear power in the coming decades.
Read the full article from African Law & Business here.
