Energy is a prime requirement for sustainable development and poverty reduction. The energy dimension of poverty is fundamental. Lack of energy/electricity perpetuates poverty as it precludes most industrial activities and the jobs they create. The author brings out that in order to meet the Millennium Development Goals of halving poverty by 2015, much greater electricity/energy at affordable rates will be required in the developing countries. Tracing the global nuclear power generation in a number of developed/developing countries, he brings out that availability of clean and safe nuclear power would contribute substantially to energy availability and thus aid in poverty reduction.