Nuclear power summit to open in France.

A global summit aimed at boosting the use of civilian nuclear power opens in Paris on Tuesday, as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran underscores the risks of heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

Representatives from around 40 countries and international organisations are expected to attend the meeting, which will be opened by French President Emmanuel Macron.

While both the United States and China will participate, Russia — another major nuclear power — will not be present due to its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Nuclear energy faced a major setback after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011, which revived global fears following the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.

However, interest in nuclear power has grown again in recent years amid a renewed focus on energy security and the search for cleaner energy sources to combat global warming.

According to the World Nuclear Association, nuclear energy currently accounts for about 9% of global electricity production, with roughly 440 reactors operating across around 30 countries.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is co-hosting the conference with the International Energy Agency (IEA), says global nuclear power generation could double by 2050.

The agency also notes that China is currently building 29 reactors in addition to the 57 already in operation.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday that about 40 countries have either begun building reactors or expressed interest in developing nuclear power.

Meanwhile, IEA head Fatih Birol said European nations in particular should strengthen their energy security by expanding renewable sources such as solar and wind, while also pursuing “a strong comeback for nuclear power.”