Nuclear power supplied more electricity in 2024 than ever before – smashing the previous record set in 2006 and cementing its role in the global clean energy mix.
According to the World Nuclear Performance Report 2025, reactors worldwide generated 2,667 terawatt hours of electricity, beating the old 2,660 TWh benchmark.
That output helped avoid 2.1 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions, nearly twice the annual carbon footprint of global aviation.
Performance is holding steady. The global nuclear fleet hit an average capacity factor of 83% in 2024 — higher than any other source of electricity.
More than 60% of reactors operated above 80%, with older reactors among the best performers.
Asia grows
Asia is driving nuclear growth at pace.
Of the 68 reactors built in the past decade, 56 are in Asian countries. That dominance continues, with 59 of the 70 reactors under construction today also based in the region.
In 2024, seven new reactors came online — three in China, and one each in the UAE, France, India and the US.
Construction began on nine new units, with six in China and others in Pakistan, Egypt and Russia.
Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, said:
“The new record electricity generation from nuclear energy in 2024 is a testament to the industry.”
She added: “This is our chance to build a cleaner, more secure energy future for everyone, powered by reliable, low-carbon nuclear energy.”
But while output is rising, so is demand.
The report warns that clean energy growth is being outpaced by rising electricity needs — making the case to triple nuclear capacity globally in the years ahead.
World goes nuclear! appeared first on Energy Live News.