World Atomic Days examines the green transition and nuclear energy financing

The “Nuclear Energy: Advantages for the Green Transition” session at the World Atomic Days forum brought together discussions of energy security, low-carbon investment and access to international finance.

According to the bulletin distributed by Rosatom, participants included representatives from Russia, Türkiye and Mongolia, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the Bahrain-based Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). Speakers examined the role of nuclear energy in strengthening energy security while supporting social development and economic growth, as well as its place in the global climate agenda. The session was moderated by Oleg Zhdaneev, head of the Technological Development Centre for the Fuel and Energy Complex under the Russian Ministry of Energy.

Energy systems and green finance

Participants considered different national approaches to developing energy systems and the steps needed to support nuclear energy. Access to international financing programmes that support sustainable development and the energy transition emerged as a central issue.

Kirill Komarov, Rosatom First Deputy Director General for Development and International Business, said energy security had become a priority for many countries. He argued that energy solutions must be reliable and accessible while also meeting environmental responsibilities, and that nuclear energy could address these requirements together.

Komarov said the global climate agenda was creating new opportunities for green finance and that numerous international financial institutions had recently expressed interest in financing nuclear projects. Describing this interest as having tangible commercial value for Rosatom, he said the company had maintained an AA+ ESG rating for four consecutive years. He also reported that ESG-linked financing and green bond issuance had provided more than USD 1 billion in financing to date. These financial figures and rating details are statements attributed to Komarov in the bulletin.

Komarov added that nuclear energy could contribute to countries’ climate and development objectives, while the green transition agenda was opening up additional opportunities for nuclear projects.

Türkiye’s 2053 target and experience at Akkuyu

Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Zafer Demircan, highlighted the role of nuclear energy in strengthening energy security, supporting industrial development and helping Türkiye achieve its carbon-neutrality target by 2053. He also stressed the importance of applying the experience and expertise gained during implementation of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project to the future development of Türkiye’s nuclear energy programme.

International cooperation and long-term infrastructure

Wei Huang, Director of the Division of Planning, Information and Knowledge Management within the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy, discussed the advantages and challenges facing nuclear energy in the global energy transition. He also addressed the conditions needed for wider recognition of the contribution nuclear projects can make to that transition.

The session also examined approaches to financing long-term infrastructure projects. Sheikh Ebrahim bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the AAOIFI Board of Trustees, explained the fundamental principles of Islamic finance and the opportunities this financing model offers for cooperation in developing low-carbon energy projects.

Dalaijargal Dorjbal, CEO of Mongolia-based Mon-Atom, drew attention to the potential for international cooperation during the global energy transition and the role played by the nuclear sector in that process.

The discussion linked energy technology choices with investment financing. The bulletin reports the speakers’ views; it does not announce the signing of a new financing agreement or a new investment decision for a specific project.

Source: Rosatom press release.

Dji Banner Inside Article - 728x90