A Landmark Publication Presented at the G20
Yesterday, at the G20 Nuclear Energy Ministerial Conference in Durban, South Africa, Henri Paillere unveiled a landmark publication:
Coal to Nuclear: Supporting a Clean Energy Transition
Produced by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in partnership with the South African 2025 G20 Presidency, the report is clear: coal-to-nuclear repowering can and must accelerate the clean energy transition.
South Africa is the main focus, but the report also includes global case studies and analyses of the technical, economic, and policy dimensions of repowering.
A Vision for South Africa and Beyond
Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy, Republic of South Africa, said:
“Repowering these coal sites with nuclear energy enables us to reduce the cost and environmental burden of building new long-distance transmission lines, maintains grid stability in a constrained system, and supports regional economic revitalisation…
We view the coal-to-nuclear transition as not simply a technological option, but a strategic imperative.”
Recognition for Repower Initiative
Repower Initiative is listed as one of six “relevant initiatives” featured in the report — an important milestone for our work.
As part of the United Nations system, the IAEA is one of the world’s most influential institutions in energy and climate policy.
Receiving this recognition highlights the growing impact of our efforts to advance Coal-to-X repowering pathways globally.
Our initiatives in China, Indonesia, Poland, and South Korea are referenced, showcasing how repowering can achieve deep decarbonisation while protecting jobs and communities.
Spotlight on DEsire and Poland’s Energy Policy
The report also highlights the DEsire – Platforma Transformacji Energetyki project.
Poland’s national energy policy has been updated to ensure that the country’s second nuclear power plant will be located in a coal-dependent region — a crucial move for energy security, decarbonisation, and ensuring a just transition for coal-sector workers.
Essential Reading for the Energy Transition
📘 Coal to Nuclear: Supporting a Clean Energy Transition
Essential reading for governments, policymakers, financiers, and anyone committed to a clean, post-carbon energy future.
Special thanks to:
Viet Phuong Nguyen, Lukasz Bartela, Staffan Qvist, Yaoli Zhang, DEsire – Platforma Transformacji Energetyki, Politechnika Śląska, Maria Papadopoulou, Henri Paillere, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) — and to all involved in producing this report!