Repurposing coal plant sites for nuclear power could significantly reduce upfront capital costs for new reactors, but financing remains one of the most significant challenges to large-scale deployment of reactors, particularly in emerging and developing economies, making international cooperation and multilateral support essential, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says in a report.

The report, Coal to Nuclear Supporting a Clean Energy Transition, says that in terms of policy, coal-to-nuclear transitions are not simply technical swaps but “strategic interventions”.

Repurposing coal plant sites for nuclear power could allow governments to retain valuable coal-plant infrastructure including grid connections, water access and skilled labour.