Rockefeller's Bold Gambit: Nuclear Power for the Global South

NEW YORK, NY – December 04, 2025 – In a move that could reshape global energy development, The Rockefeller Foundation has thrown its considerable weight behind a once-unlikely solution for the developing world: nuclear power. A landmark report released today by the century-old philanthropic giant argues that next-generation nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), are not only viable but essential for providing clean, affordable, and abundant energy to emerging economies.

The report, The Role of Nuclear Energy in Powering Universal Energy Abundance for Emerging Economies, represents a significant strategic pivot. It challenges the prevailing narrative that often pits nuclear against renewables, instead proposing a symbiotic relationship that could dramatically lower costs and accelerate the path to energy security for billions.

A New Blueprint for Energy Abundance

The study, conducted by analytics firm Bayesian Energy, models the energy futures of eight key emerging markets: Brazil, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Rwanda, and South Africa. The findings are striking. By integrating advanced nuclear power into their energy grids, these nations could see nuclear account for up to 20% of their electricity generation by 2050. More critically, this integrated approach could reduce overall system costs by as much as 31% compared to a renewables-only strategy.

"The Rockefeller Foundation is committed to building a future of universal energy abundance where everyone has access to resilient, reliable, and affordable electricity," said Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. "This report demonstrates how nuclear energy can play a critical role in meeting that need with clean, continuous power."

The core of the argument lies in complementarity. While solar and wind power are crucial, their intermittent nature requires massive investment in energy storage and transmission infrastructure to ensure a stable, 24/7 supply. The report posits that nuclear power, providing a constant and reliable source of baseload energy, can significantly reduce the need to overbuild renewable capacity and storage, thereby creating a more efficient and cost-effective grid.

"Our modelling shows that nuclear can work with renewables and storage, not against them," explained Aman Majid, co-founder of Bayesian Energy. "Pathways with nuclear still rely on major renewable buildouts, but require far less storage and transmission. That means billions of dollars in avoided costs for countries where every dollar counts—along with less land use, fewer transmission lines, and fewer permitting challenges."

The Philanthropic Pivot: De-risking the Atom

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of the foundation's proposal is the new role it envisions for philanthropy. Historically, the high-stakes world of nuclear energy has been the exclusive domain of governments and multinational corporations. Philanthropic organizations have largely stayed away, focusing on smaller-scale, distributed energy solutions.

The Rockefeller Foundation, which has a track record of advancing energy access through initiatives like solar mini-grids in India, is now suggesting a catalytic role for itself and its peers. The report identifies key areas where philanthropic capital and influence can bridge critical gaps: supporting the development of robust safety regulations, de-risking early-stage investments to attract private capital, fostering public engagement to build social license, and facilitating international cooperation.

This marks a strategic evolution from funding projects directly to shaping the entire ecosystem needed for a technology to succeed. By absorbing some of the initial financial and political risks, philanthropy can create a more attractive environment for the massive government and private sector investment required to build a nuclear program from the ground up.

"Nearly 700 million people today lack access to reliable power, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa," noted William Asiko, Vice President for Africa at The Rockefeller Foundation. "The modelling in this report shows how next-generation nuclear energy could expand energy access on the continent, which is critical for advancing long-term development and improving lives."

From Theory to Reality: The Path Forward in Emerging Markets

The report's vision, however, faces a complex reality on the ground. The eight nations studied present a diverse tapestry of political will, regulatory maturity, and public opinion. India, for instance, is already moving aggressively, allocating billions to develop its own SMRs with a goal of achieving 100 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2047. Public support there is robust, with approval for nuclear power far outweighing opposition.

In contrast, other nations face steeper climbs. In Brazil, public opinion remains divided, with persistent safety concerns tempering government ambitions. South Africa has a history with advanced nuclear technology through its now-defunct Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) project, which the government is seeking to revive. However, it must overcome public skepticism rooted in past cost overruns and environmental concerns. Meanwhile, countries like Ghana and Nigeria are actively pursuing nuclear partnerships to decarbonize their grids, but face challenges in building public awareness and securing the necessary capital investment.

The Philippines shows a strong recent surge in public support, with over 70% of adults now open to nuclear energy, creating a favorable environment for the government's plans to add 4,800 MW of nuclear capacity by 2040. This patchwork of readiness underscores the report's emphasis on tailored, country-specific strategies.

SMRs: The Technology at a Tipping Point?

Central to this new nuclear push is the promise of Small Modular Reactors. Unlike the sprawling, gigawatt-scale plants of the 20th century, SMRs are designed to be smaller, safer, and more flexible. With capacities typically under 300 MWe, their components can be manufactured in a factory setting and assembled on-site, theoretically reducing construction times and costs.

Their smaller footprint allows them to be sited in more diverse locations, including powering remote communities or heavy industrial zones. However, the technology is still nascent. While dozens of designs are in development globally, few have been built and operated commercially. Hurdles remain, including establishing robust international supply chains, harmonizing regulatory approvals, and resolving the long-term question of nuclear waste management—an issue some critics argue could be exacerbated by certain SMR designs.

The report's timing is no accident, coming after nuclear energy featured prominently at the recent COP30 climate discussions. The global conversation has shifted from if nuclear should be part of the solution to how it can be deployed safely, swiftly, and affordably. The Rockefeller Foundation's report doesn't claim to have all the answers, but it does provide a powerful and data-driven roadmap. The hard work, as Bayesian's Aman Majid stated, of building these projects on time and on budget, now begins.