Nuclear energy is gaining support in the battle against climate change, but reaching net-zero carbon emissions will require a doubling of global nuclear capacity from about 393 GW and 441 reactors today, International Atomic Energy Agency director-general Rafael Grossi said in an opinion piece on the World Economic Forum website.

Mr Grossi said technology such as small modular reactors and spent fuel repositories are increasing nuclear accessibility and safety.

He also told the WEF annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, that nuclear provides the opportunity for a faster transition to a low-carbon energy future and supports the shift to a hydrogen economy.

Attending the gathering, Mr Grossi met with world leaders and discussed the decarbonisation potential of nuclear energy for meeting global climate targets.