The Rockefeller Foundation and the Singapore-based Temasek Trust launched the Global Coalition for Nuclear Philanthropy (GCNP) at the recent Philanthropy Asia Summit in Singapore. The coalition’s primary goal is to mobilise and coordinate global philanthropic capital to accelerate the safe, secure, and equitable deployment of nuclear energy.
Temasek operates as a massive, dual-layered ecosystem in Singapore, distinctively separating its global commercial investment activities (Temasek Holdings) from its structured philanthropic initiatives (Temasek Trust). Temasek Holdings, founded in 1974, is a global investment company owned by the Government of Singapore. It operates strictly on commercial principles to deliver sustainable, long-term returns.
Temasek Trust, established by Temasek Holdings in 2007, is an independent Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG). It serves as the financial steward and governance supervisor of Temasek’s multi-billion-dollar philanthropic endowments. Rather than standard charitable giving, it champions “catalytic philanthropy” using targeted funding to de-risk and attract massive private capital to complex global problems.
Charitable organizations have historically underinvested in nuclear energy. Analysis indicates that only 0.1-0.2% of all climate-related philanthropy is currently directed toward nuclear energy deployment. This amounts to less than $2 out of every $1,000 spent on climate action. GCNP is designed to pool knowledge and funding to close this gap.
The coalition seeks to support countries exploring nuclear options—particularly next-generation technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs) over the next 5-10 years by focusing on four key pathways:
- Build the Case: Develop data-driven narratives to link nuclear energy to climate resilience, energy security, and industrial growth to secure public trust.
- Grow the Field: Expand the global talent pool, workforce, and regulatory institutions necessary to safely govern expansion.
- Make it Bankable: De-risk financial structures to attract public and private capital to scale up large-scale nuclear projects.
- Strengthen Governance: Improve international safety, security, and waste management frameworks to guarantee verifiable implementation.
The coalition includes organisations such as the Blue Horizons Foundation, CleanEcon, Founders Pledge, investor Ray Rothrock, and the Rodel Foundation. The Oppenheimer Project, serving as Strategic Partner, co-developed the initiative from its initial concept. TT Foundation Advisors (the advisory branch of Temasek Trust) will provide foundational infrastructure, including tailored donor-advised funds and grant management services.
“Universal energy abundance – the kind that powers industries, anchors economies, and raises living standards for billions – requires firm, clean power alongside renewables,” said Ashvin Dayal, Senior Vice President for Power at The Rockefeller. “The next generation of nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, is advancing fast and costs are coming down, opening a real prospect that many developing and emerging economies could add safe, abundant, clean baseload power to their energy mix.”
Desmond Kuek, Executive Director and CEO, Temasek Trust, noted: “Nuclear power is a vital clean energy source that can help address the climate crisis. Through the Global Coalition for Nuclear Philanthropy, we aim to convene like-minded partners to support informed dialogue and responsible approaches to nuclear energy in upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and responsible waste management.”
