美德联手推动，世行将解除延续数十年的“核电融资禁令”

Core Viewpoint - The World Bank is preparing to lift its decades-long ban on nuclear power financing, driven by changes in German policy and lobbying from the Trump administration [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Changes - The World Bank's decision to re-enter the nuclear energy sector marks the end of its financing ban that has been in place since 1959 [1]. - The World Bank plans to support efforts to extend the lifespan of existing reactors and assist in upgrading power grids and related infrastructure [1]. - The World Bank aims to accelerate the development of small modular reactors, making them a viable option for more countries over time [1]. Group 2: Influencing Factors - The shift in nuclear policy in Germany, under the leadership of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has removed significant opposition to nuclear energy, facilitating the World Bank's policy adjustment [2]. - The Trump administration's support for nuclear energy has influenced the World Bank, as the U.S. is its largest shareholder [2]. - Trump's recent executive order aims to promote the construction of ten large reactors by 2030 and increase existing reactor capacity by four times by 2050 [2][3]. Group 3: Demand and Investment - The explosive growth in electricity demand in developing countries is a key driver behind the policy shift, with projections indicating that electricity demand will double by 2035 [4]. - Meeting this demand will require annual investments to surge from $280 billion to $630 billion [4]. - The deployment of artificial intelligence technologies is further exacerbating the electricity gap, highlighting the need for stable, zero-emission power sources like nuclear energy [4]. Group 4: Industry Outlook - The lifting of the nuclear financing ban signifies a major shift in the global energy financing landscape, as governments reconsider nuclear energy in light of climate crises and rising electricity demands [5]. - Over 30 countries have committed to doubling global nuclear power capacity by 2050 during the COP28 climate summit, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement [6]. - Other multilateral lending institutions, such as the Asian Development Bank, are expected to follow the World Bank's lead in supporting nuclear projects [7].