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Solar energy surpasses nuclear power in global electricity production
The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2026 reveals that solar energy surpassed nuclear energy in global net electricity production for the first time in 2025. Solar production grew by approximately 30 percent, reaching 2,783 terawatt-hours, while nuclear production grew by only 1.1 percent to 2,703 terawatt-hours.
Combined, solar and wind energy production exceeded nuclear output by more than double. The global share of nuclear energy in electricity production fell to 8.8 percent, the lowest level in roughly 45 years. While nuclear capacity saw a slight increase due to growth in China, production decreased in most other regions.
China remains a primary driver of nuclear expansion, but its solar capacity growth significantly outpaced its nuclear development. Meanwhile, Russia continues to dominate international nuclear projects, though it faces challenges with overseas revenue due to sanctions. In countries like India and China, renewable energy production now exceeds nuclear output by more than fivefold.
Entities
China · India · Mycle Schneider · Russia · World Nuclear Industry Status Report
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] China is the primary driver of nuclear growth, with production increasing by 7.6 percent. www.sonnenseite.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In the EU, solar power production exceeded coal production for the first time in 2024.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Nuclear power's share of global commercial electricity generation fell to 8.8 percent. naturschutz.ch · www.sonnenseite.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Solar energy production exceeded nuclear power production globally in 2025. naturschutz.ch · www.sonnenseite.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Russia dominates the international nuclear market, with 22 of 29 projects under Russian management located in nine other states. www.sonnenseite.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In 2025, four new nuclear reactors were connected to the grid globally while seven were decommissioned. naturschutz.ch
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Fossil fuel electricity generation in the EU reached its lowest level in 40 years.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Global solar capacity grew by 510 GW in 2025, a 27 percent increase. naturschutz.ch