Nuclear Power's Comeback: Japan, China, and Tech Giants Drive Global Energy Security Shift

Nuclear power is re-emerging as a key pillar of global energy security, driven by rising crude prices and the need for reliable low-carbon electricity. Japan plans to rebuild up to 14 reactors by 2050, reversing its post-Fukushima retreat, while China expands its already massive fleet with seven new reactors coming online this year and dozens more under construction. Technology companies are also pushing for nuclear to power data centers and AI infrastructure, adding corporate demand to government priorities. This shift reflects a broader 'all of the above' energy strategy that layers nuclear with renewables and storage to build more resilient grids. For carbon markets and climate policy, the nuclear revival offers a stable, high-capacity source of clean power that can complement intermittent renewables. However, questions remain about construction timelines, cost overruns, and waste disposal that will determine how much nuclear actually contributes to decarbonization by mid-century.