Nuclear Generation Hits Record High in 2025

Global nuclear power plants generated 2,702 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 2,667 TWh. This marks a 35 TWh increase over 2024 and accounts for approximately 9% of total world electricity supply. The growth was primarily driven by Asian markets, while generation in the Americas and Africa remained stable. Western and Central Europe saw declines due to reactor closures.

According to Industrial Info Resources data, the global nuclear sector now encompasses 972 projects with a total investment value of US$2.1 trillion. Nearly half of this capital is allocated to 179 grassroots projects, while US$737 billion is dedicated to expanding existing power plants. The existing fleet maintained strong performance, with an average capacity factor rising to 83.7%. This reliability holds true for reactors operating beyond 40 years, confirming long-term operation as a cost-effective low-carbon energy source.

Reliability Sustains Long-Term Fleet Value

The World Nuclear Outlook Report 2026 confirms that the current nuclear fleet continues to perform strongly without general deterioration in older units. Since 1970, nuclear generation has avoided an estimated 43.6 billion tonnes of CO2 compared with gas and 97.2 billion tonnes compared with coal. This sustained reliability reinforces the economic case for extending the operational life of existing infrastructure rather than relying solely on new builds to meet energy demands.

Pipeline Maturation Drives Investment Shift

The project pipeline has shifted toward more certain and nearer-term categories over the past year. Capacity under construction increased from 76 GW to 82 GW, while planned capacity rose from 107 GW to 114 GW. Conversely, proposed capacity fell from 294 GW to 289 GW, and potential capacity dropped from 24 GW to 13 GW. This trend indicates a consolidation of projects that are closer to realization, reducing uncertainty in the near-term supply outlook.

Construction activity in 2025 saw eleven reactors start building, with nine in China and two in Russia. Three reactors connected to the grid, while seven were permanently shut down. Although construction is increasing, it remains below the levels required to meet ambitious future targets. The sector must accelerate deployment to bridge the gap between current capacity and projected needs by the mid-century.

Scaling Up For 2050 Targets

Thirty-eight countries have signed the COP28 Declaration to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, targeting 1,200 GW from the current 403 GW. The World Nuclear Association states this is technically feasible if build rates accelerate significantly. Achieving this goal would require deployment rates approximately six times the current level. Government ambitions are collectively sufficient to reach 1,457 GW by 2050, provided existing fleets are preserved and new projects are completed on schedule.

Existing nuclear countries account for 1,303 GW of the projected 2050 capacity, with new entrant countries contributing a further 154 GW. Success depends on immediate decisions regarding financing, licensing, manufacturing, and workforce development. Projects needed in the 2030s rely on these current actions, while capacity for the 2040s depends on converting initial projects into repeatable programs. The industry must build robust delivery, fuel-supply, and regulatory capabilities to sustain this growth trajectory.