Nuclear power production hits new global record in 2025

Global nuclear power production reached a new record in 2025, generating 2,702 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. According to the World Nuclear Outlook Report 2026 by the World Nuclear Association, this represents an increase of 35 TWh over the previous year's record of 2,667 TWh. Nuclear energy accounted for approximately nine percent of total global electricity production in 2025.

Growth was primarily driven by Asia, while production remained relatively stable in Africa and the Americas. Conversely, output declined in Western and Central Europe due to reactor closures. In 2025, eleven new reactors began construction, including nine in China and two in Russia, bringing the total capacity under construction to 82 GWe.

The report suggests that global nuclear capacity could more than triple by 2050, potentially reaching 1,457 gigawatts (GWe) if national targets are met and planned or proposed reactors are completed. Current operative capacity stands at approximately 423 GWe.