Nuclear energy adoption pathways for SDG 7 in newcomer countries: Readiness barriers, technology options, and policy frameworks

The world’s shift toward low-carbon energy presents new challenges for non-nuclear countries. Due to the decommissioning of fossil-fuel power plants and the deployment of renewable energy sources, the need for reliable, low-carbon, and dispatchable energy production becomes more relevant. In this context, nuclear energy emerges as a potential complement to renewable electricity generation because of its capacity factor, low life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, and grid-stabilizing capacity. However, there is still a lack of studies that consider the integration of the technology, economics, and policy of nuclear adoption in light of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) compliance while focusing on non-nuclear and nuclear-aspiring countries. To fill this gap, the current review provides an analysis of modern reactor development, global policies, economic realities, SDG compliance, and readiness barriers in different countries. The analysis assesses the extent to which Generation III/III + reactors, small modular reactors, and fusion technologies may address challenges related to safety, cost, and deployment flexibility. It then examines global trends in nuclear adoption, tools used in nuclear policies, financing issues, and existing cases in nuclear countries and newcomer countries. Moreover, the paper proposes a multi-dimensional model of readiness for nuclear energy adoption based on the analysis. The reviewed evidence indicates that nuclear energy can positively impact SDG 7 and other SDGs, but this requires a comprehensive nuclear energy governance system with regulations on safety, waste management, funding, workforce, grid capacity, and public acceptance. Thus, nuclear energy adoption should not be assessed solely in terms of technological capability; it also requires a comprehensive readiness framework for non-nuclear countries.