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Journal article
Nuclear energy adoption pathways for SDG 7 in newcomer countries: Readiness barriers, technology options, and policy frameworks
Applied energy, Vol.426, 128701
2026
Abstract
The world’s shift toward low-carbon energy presents new challenges for non-nuclear countries. Due to the decommissioning of fossil-fuel power plants and the deployment of renewable energy sources, the need for reliable, low-carbon, and dispatchable energy production becomes more relevant. In this context, nuclear energy emerges as a potential complement to renewable electricity generation because of its capacity factor, low life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, and grid-stabilizing capacity. However, there is still a lack of studies that consider the integration of the technology, economics, and policy of nuclear adoption in light of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) compliance while focusing on non-nuclear and nuclear-aspiring countries. To fill this gap, the current review provides an analysis of modern reactor development, global policies, economic realities, SDG compliance, and readiness barriers in different countries. The analysis assesses the extent to which Generation III/III + reactors, small modular reactors, and fusion technologies may address challenges related to safety, cost, and deployment flexibility. It then examines global trends in nuclear adoption, tools used in nuclear policies, financing issues, and existing cases in nuclear countries and newcomer countries. Moreover, the paper proposes a multi-dimensional model of readiness for nuclear energy adoption based on the analysis. The reviewed evidence indicates that nuclear energy can positively impact SDG 7 and other SDGs, but this requires a comprehensive nuclear energy governance system with regulations on safety, waste management, funding, workforce, grid capacity, and public acceptance. Thus, nuclear energy adoption should not be assessed solely in terms of technological capability; it also requires a comprehensive readiness framework for non-nuclear countries.
Details
- Title
- Nuclear energy adoption pathways for SDG 7 in newcomer countries: Readiness barriers, technology options, and policy frameworks
- Authors/Creators
- Rajvikram Madurai Elavarasan - Murdoch UniversityG.M. Shafiullah - Murdoch University, Centre for Water, Energy and WasteMd Shahriar Nazim - Griffith UniversityTaskin Jamal - Murdoch UniversityRakshith Sankargupta - Vellore Institute of Technology UniversityIsuri Amarasinghe - Griffith UniversityMohammad J. Sanjari - Griffith UniversitySk. A. Shezan - Institute of Industrial EngineeringRodney A. Stewart - Griffith UniversityTania Urmee - Murdoch University, School of Engineering and Energy
- Publication Details
- Applied energy, Vol.426, 128701
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd.
- Identifiers
- 991005917319307891
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Authors.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Engineering and Energy; Centre for Water, Energy and Waste
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: SDGs in the Output
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