Global nuclear power generation reached a record high in 2025 as reactors produced 2,702TWh of electricity, according to the latest World Nuclear Outlook Report from the World Nuclear Association.
Generation increased by 35TWh compared with 2024, as the global nuclear fleet continued to deliver high levels of reliability. Reactors recorded an average capacity factor of 83.7% during the year.
The report highlights growing momentum behind plans to expand nuclear capacity worldwide, with national targets, identified projects and continued operation of existing reactors potentially taking global capacity to 1,457GW by 2050.
This would exceed the goal of tripling global nuclear capacity by more than 200GW, a target endorsed by 38 countries since COP28.
Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of World Nuclear Association, said: “This is an extraordinary moment for nuclear energy. Reflecting on another year of record performance, and looking ahead to a future of record ambition, governments are clear: they need much more nuclear energy to address the interconnected challenges of energy security, affordability, competitiveness and climate goals.”
However, the report warns that significant investment and project development will be needed to turn ambitions into reality.
More than 550GW of capacity that is required to meet published government targets is not yet represented by projects that are under construction, planned or proposed.
Construction activity is increasing, with 11 reactors beginning works in 2025. Capacity under construction reached 82GW while planned, proposed and potential projects totalled 416GW.
The report says maintaining and extending existing nuclear plants will be one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways of securing low-carbon electricity while new projects are developed.
Nuclear generation has also played a significant role in avoiding emissions. Since 1970, nuclear power is estimated to have avoided 43.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ compared with gas generation and 97.2 billion tonnes compared with coal.
The World Nuclear Association say the focus must shift towards implementation, with governments needing to strengthen investment frameworks, supply chains, regulatory processes and workforce capacity.
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