The World Energy Council (WEC) has called on policymakers and leaders to "get real" to ensure the world's energy future – and has released two future energy scenarios to illustrate how the world must strive to achieve harmony in the energy system.

Japan's climate goals remain as unclear as its energy policy. According to the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations it should resist setting targets until well into next year.

India and the USA have reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of bilateral nuclear trade agreements, alongside the signature of a preliminary contract for the construction of reactors in Gujarat. A cooperation agreement between Canada and India has also entered into force.

Global nuclear power generating capacity will continue to grow by 2030 but at a slightly slower rate than predicted a year ago, according to the latest estimates from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Revenue earned by France's existing nuclear power plants will be earmarked to fund the country's move to an energy mix featuring more renewables, Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault has said.

World electricity demand is likely to grow by over 80% by 2040, and nuclear energy capacity will need to double to help to meet it, according to figures from Exxon Mobil. The company's analysis triggered a lively exchange at the WNA Annual Symposium in London.

The chairman of Britain's Olympic Delivery Authority has suggested that a similar body could be set up to construct nuclear power plants before selling them to the private sector.

Nuclear energy must be a significant part of the mix if India is to grow electricity supply by 625% to meet development goals, former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Anil Kakodkar told students at a graduation ceremony.

Greater investment in nuclear regulation will pay dividends for Japan as it moves to restart nuclear reactors. Mobilising more safety review teams could save the country ¥850 billion ($8.8 billion) if it means more reactors can restart sooner.

Carbon dioxide intensity from Japan's electricity industry climbed again in FY2012, reaching levels 39% greater than when the country's nuclear reactors were operating normally, and taking the sector far beyond climate targets.

World energy consumption will increase by 56% between 2010 and 2040, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Nuclear power generation is expected to double over that period, but coal will remain the dominant fuel for electricity.

A leaked draft of a European Union (EU) working paper suggesting that member countries may be allowed to directly subsidise nuclear power has prompted widespread consternation.