Nuclear power plants worldwide produced more electricity in 2025 than in any previous year, reversing two decades of stagnation in the industry, the International Energy Agency said.
Global nuclear generation reached 2,850 terawatt-hours last year, according to the IEA’s Electricity 2026 report published February 6. The figure marks a 1.2% increase from 2024 and surpasses the previous peak set in 2021.
Japan’s reactor restarts, France’s recovery from maintenance problems, and new plants entering service in China, India and South Korea drove the record output. Operators are building more than 70 gigawatts of nuclear capacity worldwide, among the highest construction levels in three decades.
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The agency forecasts nuclear generation will climb to 3,279 terawatt-hours by 2030, with China accounting for roughly 40% of the global increase. The country plans to add nearly 30 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity over the next five years.
By 2030, nuclear and renewables combined will generate half of global electricity, the IEA projected. The share stands at 42% today. Solar and wind installations continue to expand rapidly, while nuclear provides consistent baseload power that complements variable renewable generation.
Developed nations are keeping existing reactors running longer and building new capacity as electricity demand surges from data centers, electric vehicles and industrial electrification. The United States, France, and several other countries have announced policies to support nuclear development after years of plant closures.
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Nuclear currently accounts for roughly 9% of global electricity generation. Despite recent growth, the technology faces high construction costs and long development timelines that have slowed deployment in Western nations compared with Asia.
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