Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), delivered a keynote address at the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) in Paris on November 4, 2025. In his speech, Birol emphasized the importance of nuclear energy as the world transitions into what he termed the “age of electricity.” In his remarks, he pointed to three key factors propelling this change: energy security, increasing demand for electricity, and the need to address climate change.
Birol added that geopolitical sensitivities are accelerating the urge on governments to firm up their domestic energy systems. He made the case that given this scenario, nuclear power becomes an especially dependable option for energy production. Countries are seriously pursuing notions of energy independence and security. Birol made it clear that nuclear power is a vital part of overcoming these hurdles.
Rising Demand for Electricity
During his remarks, Birol highlighted an unprecedented surge in global electricity demand, especially in developing countries. He pointed out that this trend is made worse by a major increase in energy use for air conditioning. In his view, “This is a major driver of the age of electricity.”
Just as notable was his comment regarding the competitive landscape in developed markets. For more than 15 years, electricity demand in Europe had been stagnating, but as Birol noted, that trend is coming to an end. He announced, somewhat conspicuously, that the demand for electricity has begun to explode. This trend is happening not only in Europe, but in the United States and Japan.
The Comeback of Nuclear Power
Birol highlighted the opportunity for nuclear energy to reclaim its importance in global energy mix. He expressed optimism about the future of nuclear power, saying, “In my view, nuclear has a golden opportunity to make this comeback, to see a golden age of nuclear not seen since the 1970s and 80s.”
He offered a cautionary tale about obstacles that the nuclear industry has to address for it to prosper. Birol stressed that project delays and rising costs are endangering the advancement of nuclear energy projects. He further pointed out how regulatory hurdles add risk to these already risky projects. He stated, “On average in most countries in the world, nuclear power plants finish with eight years of delay and the final cost passes 2.5-times higher than the cost estimated in the beginning.”
Addressing Challenges for Nuclear Advancement
Birol’s comments underscore a growing understanding within the global energy community that we must tackle these realities and challenges directly and boldly. He called on stakeholders to come together and identify solutions that would cut red tape and lower costs tied to nuclear power projects.
As countries move toward more sustainable energy solutions, Birol’s insights resonate with policymakers and industry leaders alike. He emphasized that meeting electricity demand while tackling climate change will require an unwavering commitment to embracing reliable energy sources like nuclear power.