IS: The role of international financial institutions in the nuclear sector

As global demand for electricity rises and decarbonisation targets tighten, nuclear energy is re-emerging as a potentially reliable low-carbon solution. However, the technology brings challenges, such as regulatory oversight and timely, cost-efficient delivery. Many countries are choosing to invest in nuclear to support energy security, strengthen the resilience of their power systems and pursue decarbonisation. International financial institutions (IFIs) are responding with a more proactive approach to supporting the sector. Their response includes backing safe and long-term reactor operations, building human and technical capacity, and establishing robust governance, all of which are key to creating commercially viable investments, building infrastructure resilience and managing risk. This panel will explore the emerging role of IFIs in the sector, particularly in helping to strengthen governance and safety, and attract private-sector investment. Speakers: Katie Martin, Markets Columnist, Financial Times Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, Minister of Energy, Lithuania Stefano Buono, CEO, Newcleo Harry Boyd-Carpenter, Managing Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Group, EBRD Valerie Levkov, VP, Infrastructure, World Bank