Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, numerous nations temporarily turned their backs on nuclear energy. Yet, at the 2023 COP28 climate summit, a coalition of countries collectively unveiled the 'Triple Nuclear Energy Declaration,' signaling a resurgence of nuclear power on the global stage. The sluggish advancement of nuclear energy has largely been attributed to safety apprehensions, exorbitant expenses, and an incomplete industrial supply chain. Nonetheless, nuclear power stands out as an effective solution to counterbalance the intermittency and volatility inherent in renewable energy sources. It boasts benefits such as minimal carbon emissions, high operational efficiency, and minimal grid compatibility requirements (referring to the infrastructure of the power grid). The global total installed capacity of nuclear power is projected to experience substantial growth. The United States is striving to reclaim its leading position in the nuclear sector, while China is on track to emerge as the world's foremost nuclear power nation, with other countries also ramping up their nuclear deployments.
Presently, the global race for nuclear power is characterized by three primary themes:
Firstly, nuclear power has emerged as a novel option in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). Small modular reactors (SMRs) are catering to the demands of major corporations and drawing cross-border involvement from AI technology behemoths.
Secondly, uranium, a strategic resource, is encountering an expanding supply-demand imbalance, transforming into a new focal point in geopolitical rivalries.
Thirdly, technological rivalry is propelling fourth-generation nuclear power technology into a new era of enhanced safety and efficiency, with controlled nuclear fusion being perceived as the ultimate panacea for humanity's energy requirements.
The revival of nuclear power is propelled by a confluence of factors, including energy security imperatives, the transition to a low-carbon economy, and the burgeoning demand for AI computational power, thereby unveiling fresh investment prospects.
