The head of the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, believes nuclear power is making “a strong comeback” around the world, but has criticised Germany’s decision to phase out its reactors.

Birol told the German news agency DPA ahead of an energy ministers’ meeting in Paris that nuclear is making a comeback France, Asia, North America, the Middle East and elsewhere.

“After the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, many countries have understood the importance of nuclear together with renewables, homegrown electricity generation,” he said.