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Nuclear energy

Global Nuclear Power Generation Expected to Reach Record High in 2025

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Global nuclear power generation is expected to reach a record high in 2025, driven by the restart of nuclear reactors in Japan, strong nuclear power growth in the United States and France, and new nuclear power projects in Asia. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has stated that global electricity demand is expected to continue to grow strongly through 2026, with renewable energy, natural gas, and nuclear power jointly meeting this increased demand. The IEA's report, "The Path to a New Nuclear Era," notes that interest in nuclear energy has reached its highest level since the oil crises of the 1970s, laying the foundation for nuclear energy development in the decades ahead.

Key Takeaways:

  • Global nuclear power generation is expected to reach a record high in 2025, driven by the restart of nuclear reactors in Japan, strong nuclear power growth in the United States and France, and new nuclear power projects in Asia.
  • Nuclear energy accounts for nearly 10% of global electricity generation, making it the second-largest low-carbon energy source after hydropower.
  • There are nearly 420 operating nuclear reactors worldwide, with a total installed capacity of over 400 GW.
  • 63 nuclear reactors are under construction worldwide, with a total installed capacity exceeding 70 GW, the highest level since 1990.
  • Global electricity demand is currently growing rapidly, extending not only to traditional industries but also to emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, data centers, and artificial intelligence.
  • Over the past decade, global electricity use has grown at twice the rate of overall energy demand, and the rate of growth is expected to continue accelerating.
  • More than 40 countries around the world support the expansion of nuclear energy, with nuclear power projects being launched in Southeast Asia.
  • Countries like Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Italy have also seen shifts in their attitudes toward nuclear power in recent years, with some planning to restart or expand nuclear power plants.
  • The "Triple Nuclear Energy Declaration" was signed in December 2023, aiming to triple global nuclear power capacity to 2020 levels by 2050.
  • Nuclear energy investment reached approximately $65 billion in 2023, nearly double the amount of a decade ago.

Statistics:

  • Global nuclear power generation is expected to reach a record high in 2025.
  • Nuclear energy accounts for nearly 10% of global electricity generation.
  • There are 419 operating nuclear reactors worldwide, with a total installed capacity of over 400 GW.
  • 63 nuclear reactors are under construction worldwide, with a total installed capacity exceeding 70 GW.
  • Global electricity demand is expected to grow by 10% annually through 2026.
  • Over the past decade, global electricity use has grown at twice the rate of overall energy demand.
  • Nuclear energy investment reached $65 billion in 2023.
  • The "Triple Nuclear Energy Declaration" aims to triple global nuclear power capacity to 2020 levels by 2050.
  • Southeast Asia's installed nuclear power capacity is expected to exceed 7 GW by 2040.

Sources:

  • International Energy Agency (IEA), "Electricity Market Mid-Year Update 2025"
  • International Energy Agency (IEA), "The Path to a New Nuclear Era"
  • "Triple Nuclear Energy Declaration" signed in December 2023
  • German Nuclear Technology Association statement on reactivating Germany's nuclear power plants
  • CSEE News Release, August 6, 2025

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