World Nuclear Energy Summit (10 March 2026)

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Nuclear energy: France to host the second world summit on civil nuclear energy

On 10 March 2026, France will host the second world Nuclear Energy Summit, in close liaison with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Heads of State and Government, leaders of international organizations and financial institutions, industrial actors and experts will discuss the role of civil nuclear energy in addressing major energy and climate challenges.

In a context marked by rising electricity needs, the imperatives of decarbonization and energy sovereignty issues, this Summit is a key opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and foster tangible solutions for safe and sustainable development of civil nuclear energy.

An international Summit to promote the vision of civil nuclear energy that is trustworthy, safe and peaceful

All over the world, there is growing interest in nuclear energy. Currently accounting for almost 10% of global electricity production, in many countries it is seen as an essential complement to renewable energies for flexible, low-carbon electricity generation.

Against this backdrop, the Summit will seek to encourage discussions between States which already have a nuclear programme and those considering adopting one, particularly in emerging economies. It will also help highlight the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, in line with international commitments, ahead of the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to take place in spring 2026.

World Nuclear Energy Summit Programme

The morning will be dedicated to a high-level segment with statements from Heads of State and Government.

In the afternoon, panel and round table discussions will address several priorities of today’s international debate on civil nuclear energy in greater depth:

  • the role of nuclear energy in the energy transition and in accessing reliable, decarbonized electricity;
  • the financial conditions of nuclear projects, which is a key issue in supporting the development of the sector, especially in countries seeking to build new capabilities;
  • innovation and new-generation technologies, including small modular reactors, opening up new prospects for energy production and industrial uses.
    Other discussions will address fuel supply security, management of radioactive materials and waste, and developing the skills and supply chains required to build and operate facilities.

Side events

As part of the preparation for the nuclear energy summit, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is organizing a sequence for the general public in the afternoon of 8 March at the Cité des Sciences. The discussions and activities envisaged aim to render accessible the challenges around nuclear energy and its revival, by addressing the topic from various angles, ranging from science fiction to contemporary issues in the “manufacturing” of nuclear energy; furthermore, for International Women’s Day, we wish to highlight the importance of increasing the presence of women in the sector. A conference session will be held in the auditorium in the form of keynotes and panel discussions. We will also offer thematic workshops for younger visitors in the vestibule, with a variety of visitor booths and modules.

Download the programme for 8 March 2026 (in french) (PDF - 385 Ko)

Registration platform: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-fabrique-de-lenergie-nucleaire-aujourdhui-et-demain-jamais-sans-elles-tickets-1983970891343?aff=oddtdtcreator

On the eve of the Summit, the French Society of Nuclear Energy (SFEN), the École Nationale Supérieure (ENS) and the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) will hold a scientific conference on the research infrastructure necessary to boost the nuclear energy sector. The discussions will focus on R&D needs, and the existing capacities in France, Europe and internationally. The conference will also cover cooperation programmes to step up between countries and between public and private stakeholders, and the growing role of digital tools and simulators. These issues will be explored during three round table discussions bringing together institutional representatives, industrial actors in the nuclear sectors, and French and international research experts.

Event by invitation only, more information here: https://www.sfen.org/evenement/nuclear-energy-summit-2026-research-infrastructures-conference/

Challenges and future of civil nuclear energy

Beyond these discussions, the purpose of the Summit is to foster concrete initiatives and encourage partnerships between States, international organizations, financial institutions and industrial actors.

The aim is to help lay the foundations for developing safe, economically viable civil nuclear energy in line with climate targets, while guaranteeing the highest levels of security, safety and non-proliferation.

The detailed programme is available on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) website.

Consult the Directorate-General for Energy and Climate (DGEC) website

Responsible commitment

The preparation for and hosting of this Summit will be conducted in compliance with the environmental and social commitments made by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

To learn about our commitments, please see our letters of commitment on gender equality and our sustainable ambition.

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