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In a significant move to bolster global nuclear energy cooperation, the OECD’s Nuclear Energy Agency and the South Korean government are set to convene a ministerial meeting titled “Roadmaps to New Nuclear” in Paris on September 18-19, 2025. This gathering aims to enhance collaboration between governments and industry stakeholders, focusing on nuclear power's vital role in providing clean energy and ensuring a stable energy supply.

Representing Finland, State Secretary Mika Nykänen will engage in crucial bilateral discussions with notable figures, including South Korea's Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Lee Ho Hyeon, and Poland's Director of the Department of Nuclear Energy, Pawel Gajda. These talks will center on pressing matters such as nuclear waste disposal and the development prospects of nuclear power. Additionally, Nykänen will co-chair a working group session that seeks to harmonize the perspectives of political leaders and the business sector, addressing the tangible challenges of nuclear power construction and supply chains.

Recent years have highlighted the difficulties facing nuclear projects in OECD countries, with delays and cost overruns underscoring the need for improved project management and supply chain efficiency. The upcoming session aims to explore strategies for governments and the nuclear power sector to strengthen supply chains, foster strategic partnerships, and ensure that nuclear projects are completed on schedule and within budget.

Central themes of the meeting will include financing, enhancing supply chain resilience, and ensuring a skilled workforce. As the success of new nuclear power initiatives hinges on significant capital investment under competitive terms, the renewed interest from institutions like the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development signals a positive shift for nuclear projects.

A notable challenge remains the declining nuclear capacity within OECD nations, where the construction of new power plants has stagnated in recent decades. However, international collaboration and innovations in small modular reactor (SMR) technology may offer opportunities to enhance supply chain flexibility and project cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, substantial investments in education and knowledge transfer will be essential to achieve the ambitious goal of tripling global nuclear power capacity.

The Paris meeting arrives at a pivotal moment, as 31 countries are committed to tripling their nuclear capacity by 2050. This endeavor will necessitate the construction of approximately 20 gigawatts of additional capacity annually starting in 2030.

The development of large third-generation reactors alongside SMRs holds promise for generating electricity, hydrogen, and heat. In Finland, comprehensive reforms are underway to advance SMR technology, with ongoing initiatives aimed at producing both electricity and district heating, signaling a dynamic evolution in the nuclear energy landscape.