Next-Generation Nuclear Technologies Could Help Emerging Economies Close Power Gap — Report

By Naija Enquirer Staff

Nigeria and several other emerging economies could significantly reduce their energy deficits by adopting next-generation nuclear technologies, according to a new report released by The Rockefeller Foundation.

The report, titled The Role of Nuclear Energy in Powering Universal Energy Abundance for Emerging Economies, examines how advanced nuclear solutions, including small modular reactors (SMRs), could support rapidly rising electricity demand across Nigeria, Brazil, Ghana, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Rwanda, and South Africa. These countries represent more than 2 billion people and some of the world’s fastest-growing power markets.

The findings suggest that with the right policies and regulatory frameworks, nuclear power could deliver up to 30% of total electricity generation and reduce overall system costs by as much as 31% by 2050 compared to renewables-only pathways.

“The Rockefeller Foundation is committed to building a future of universal energy abundance where everyone has access to resilient, reliable, and affordable electricity,” said Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. “This report demonstrates how nuclear energy can play a critical role in meeting that need with clean, continuous power.”

Growing Global Interest in Nuclear

The report notes that although nuclear energy has declined in many national strategies over recent decades, rising demand and energy security concerns have renewed global interest in nuclear as a reliable, non-emitting baseload option. Nuclear complements renewables by balancing intermittent generation and improving grid efficiency.

Commissioned by The Rockefeller Foundation and conducted by Bayesian Energy and Radiant Energy Group, the study uses power-system modelling and expert interviews to assess nuclear readiness across the eight emerging markets. Modelling shows that nuclear and renewables are complementary technologies.

“Our modelling shows that nuclear can work with renewables and storage, not against them,” said Aman Majid, co-founder of Bayesian Energy. “Pathways with nuclear still rely on major renewable buildouts, but require far less storage and transmission.”

Key Findings

• Nuclear can supply up to 30% of electricity by 2050 in several emerging markets.
• Combining nuclear with renewables could reduce system costs by up to 31%.
• Advanced reactors, including SMRs, offer flexible, low-carbon baseload power.
• Philanthropy could help accelerate nuclear deployment by supporting regulation, public engagement and investor confidence.
• Emerging economies face financial, institutional, and social barriers that must be addressed to scale nuclear safely.

Regional Perspectives

The study highlights strong potential for nuclear deployment across Africa, Asia, and Latin America by 2030, driven by industrialisation, rising energy demand, and increasing policy interest.

Deepali Khanna, Senior Vice President at The Rockefeller Foundation, described the findings as “a powerful opportunity for Asia,” noting nuclear’s job creation and long-term sustainability benefits.

For sub-Saharan Africa—where nearly 700 million people lack access to reliable power—nuclear could be transformative. “Next-generation nuclear energy could expand energy access on the continent,” said William Asiko, Vice President for Africa. “It offers higher-paid, longer-lasting jobs and a pathway to economic growth.”

Nuclear on the Global Agenda

The report follows COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where nuclear featured prominently in climate discussions. The World Nuclear Association announced the expansion of a global coalition committed to tripling nuclear capacity by 2050, while the IAEA emphasized the role of nuclear science and technology in climate resilience.

The study concludes that while political ambition is rising, the real challenge for emerging markets will be securing financing, building regulatory capacity, strengthening public acceptance, and deploying advanced reactors at scale and on schedule.