Rockefeller Foundation and Temasek Trust Launch Nuclear Philanthropy Coalition
Event summary
- The Rockefeller Foundation and Temasek Trust launched the Global Coalition for Nuclear Philanthropy (GCNP) on May 19, 2026, to mobilize philanthropic capital for nuclear energy deployment.
- GCNP aims to address the underinvestment in nuclear energy, with only 0.1–0.2% of climate philanthropy currently supporting it.
- The coalition includes partners like Blue Horizons Foundation, CleanEcon, Founders Pledge, and the Rodel Foundation.
- GCNP will focus on four strategic pathways: building the case, growing the field, making nuclear energy bankable, and strengthening governance.
- The initiative aligns with the COP28 Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy, a global pledge by over 30 countries to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050.
The big picture
The launch of the Global Coalition for Nuclear Philanthropy comes at a critical juncture, as global electricity demand is projected to grow significantly from 2024 through 2026. The coalition aims to bridge the gap between philanthropic capital and the need for clean, firm power sources, aligning with broader industry trends towards energy security and climate resilience. The initiative also reflects a strategic shift in philanthropic priorities, recognizing the role of nuclear energy in complementing variable renewables to achieve net-zero goals.
What we're watching
- Philanthropic Momentum
- How the GCNP will accelerate philanthropic investment in nuclear energy, given the current underinvestment.
- Policy and Regulation
- Whether the coalition can influence policy and regulatory frameworks to support nuclear energy deployment.
- Technological Advancements
- The pace at which next-generation nuclear technologies, like small modular reactors, will become cost-effective and scalable.
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