Nuclear reduces power system costs across eight emerging economies

This analysis by Bayesian Energy in collaboration with Radiant Energy Group, commissioned by The Rockefeller Foundation, finds that adding nuclear power to clean-energy pathways for eight EMDEs reduces total system costs and infrastructure needs compared to renewables-only scenarios.

• Main finding: The study shows system cost reductions of 2–31% when nuclear is integrated versus renewable-only pathways across eight countries (Brazil, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa), with nuclear supplying 10–30% of generation by 2050 in cost-optimal scenarios and demonstrated examples such as Rwanda (31% cost reduction) and Brazil (2% reduction).
• Background & details: The modelling covers 2025–2050 and assumes at least the Modern Energy Minimum (1,000 kWh/person/year by 2050); in a scaled-ambition Ghana case (3,500 kWh/capita by 2050) the renewables-only pathway requires >300 GW generation, 40 GW storage, 50 GW transmission, while the nuclear pathway needs ~60 GW generation, 10 GW storage, 30 GW transmission. The report highlights three main barriers—government capacity, public acceptance, and project financing—and notes nuclear receives <0.2% of climate philanthropy despite providing ~20% of global clean electricity.