At CERAWeek 2025 in Houston, a seismic shift occurred in the energy sector as a coalition of major energy consumers publicly committed to supporting the expansion of nuclear energy capacity. The ‘Large Energy Consumers Pledge’, orchestrated by the World Nuclear Association (WNA), is unprecedented, marking the first time businesses outside the nuclear sector have collectively endorsed a large-scale expansion of nuclear power. The ambitious goal? To triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. The coalition, a powerhouse of leading global companies including Amazon, Google, Siemens Energy, and Meta, recognises nuclear energy as a linchpin in the quest for clean, reliable, and resilient power generation, essential for meeting the world’s escalating energy demands.
Lucia Tian, Google’s Head of Clean Energy & Decarbonisation Technologies, underscored the significance of this initiative, stating, “We are proud to sign a pledge in support of tripling nuclear capacity by 2050, as nuclear power will be pivotal in building a reliable, secure, and sustainable energy future. Google will continue to work alongside our partners to accelerate the commercialisation of advanced nuclear technologies that can provide the around-the-clock clean energy necessary to meet growing electricity demand around the world.”
The global transition to net-zero carbon emissions has thrust nuclear energy into the spotlight as a dependable alternative to fossil fuels. Unlike solar and wind, which are intermittent sources, nuclear power provides a continuous, stable energy supply. This makes it particularly valuable for industries with high energy demands, such as technology, manufacturing, and transportation. Expanding nuclear energy capacity is also key to energy security. Many nations rely heavily on imported fossil fuels, exposing them to price volatility and geopolitical risks. A robust nuclear infrastructure can reduce this dependence while ensuring a steady supply of clean electricity.
Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta, echoed this sentiment, saying, “As global economies expand, the need for a reliable, clean, and resilient energy supply is paramount. Nuclear energy, with its ability to provide continuous power, can help meet this rising demand. We’re excited to join alongside this multi-organisational effort with the Tripling Nuclear Pledge to reiterate our commitment to nuclear energy.”
The initiative to triple nuclear energy capacity was first introduced at the World Nuclear Symposium in 2023 and later gained significant backing at COP28 in Dubai. By 2024, 31 countries had signed the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy, and over 140 nuclear industry companies had joined an industry-wide pledge. Additionally, 14 of the world’s largest financial institutions supported the effort, emphasising the need for equitable access to nuclear financing. At CERAWeek 2025, a diverse group of energy-intensive businesses joined the movement, acknowledging nuclear power’s role in achieving sustainability goals and economic growth. These companies advocate for government support and increased investment in nuclear energy to accelerate development.
Signatories of the pledge include a who’s who of global industry: Allseas, Amazon, Bureau Veritas, Carbon3Energy, Clean Energy Buyers Association, Core Power, Dow, Fly Green Alliance, Google, Lloyd’s Register, Meta, Occidental, OSGE, and Siemens Energy. This diverse coalition underscores the growing consensus that nuclear energy is not just a viable option but a necessity for a sustainable future.
Currently, nuclear energy generates about 9% of global electricity from 439 reactors worldwide. However, with increasing demand from sectors like data centres, the need for expanded nuclear capacity has never been greater. Companies like Amazon, which has invested over $1bn in nuclear energy projects, are exploring advanced solutions such as small modular reactors (SMRs) to enhance efficiency and scalability. Brandon Oyer, Head of Americas Energy and Water for Amazon Web Services, added, “Accelerating nuclear energy development will be critical to strengthening our nation’s security, meeting future energy demands, and addressing climate change. Amazon supports the World Nuclear Association’s pledge and is proud to have invested more than $1bn over the last year in nuclear energy projects and technologies, which is part of our broader Climate Pledge commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2040.”
This groundbreaking pledge at CERAWeek 2025 is set to reshape the energy landscape. It signals a significant shift in corporate strategy, with major players recognising the indispensable role of nuclear energy in achieving long-term sustainability, resilience, and energy independence. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy security, this pledge could catalyse a new era of innovation and investment in nuclear technology. The ripple effects are likely to be profound, influencing policy decisions, technological advancements, and global energy markets. The energy sector is on the cusp of a transformative journey, and this pledge is a bold step towards a future powered by clean, reliable
