The BRICS alliance has held its first official expert session on nuclear energy, reinforcing its ambition to deepen technical cooperation and energy security among emerging economies. The session took place on 29 April 2025 in Beijing, during the 16th China International Exhibition on Nuclear Power Industry.
Organised under the BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform, launched in October 2024, the event marked the alliance’s first collective step into coordinated nuclear dialogue. According to World Nuclear News, the platform is designed to support joint research, project development, and talent exchange between BRICS countries and their growing number of partners.
Delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa attended the session, along with representatives from partner countries including Iran. Officials from the ASEAN Energy Center and the World Nuclear Association also participated, reflecting the session’s international scope.
The theme, “Key factors influencing the development of nuclear energy,” framed discussions around common challenges such as regulatory frameworks, public perception, skills shortages and financing. Participants also addressed the growing role of nuclear power in decarbonisation and its place in each country’s long-term energy mix.
Elsie Pule of South Africa, who serves as Chief Coordinator of the BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform, opened the session alongside Celso Cunha, President of the Brazilian Association for the Development of the Nuclear Industry. Both stressed the strategic value of nuclear collaboration for BRICS nations seeking reliable, low-carbon power. According to World Nuclear News, Pule called for shared frameworks to accelerate development, while Cunha highlighted Brazil’s efforts in advancing small modular reactor (SMR) research.
China’s contribution focused on capacity-building and talent pipelines. Chen Xin, Deputy Director of the State Nuclear Uranium Resource Development Company, emphasised the importance of mentoring new nuclear professionals and facilitating exchanges between universities and state institutions.
“This session provided valuable opportunities to connect with experts from across BRICS and initiate new joint projects,” Chen said, as reported by World Nuclear News.
Artem Goncharuk, Director General of Rosatom East Asia, underlined the value of practical cooperation. He noted that over 60 BRICS-aligned nuclear projects are either under construction or planned, and said that Rosatom is already exploring trilateral partnerships between Russia, China and India.
Preparations are now underway for the next expert session, scheduled for 21 May 2025 in Brazil, during the Nuclear Trade & Technology Exchange. The BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform plans a series of such meetings throughout the year, aimed at aligning standards, accelerating innovation and supporting a new generation of nuclear professionals.
According to World Nuclear News, BRICS countries currently operate approximately 390 GWe of nuclear capacity, with 66 GWe under construction.
This first session underscores the bloc’s intention to become a serious player in shaping the future of nuclear energy—on its own terms.
