Global nuclear power generation hits record high; World Nuclear Association says 2050 capacity target still requires project support

On September 8, 2026, the World Nuclear Association (WNA) stated in its newly released World Nuclear Outlook Report 2026 that global nuclear power generation reached 2,702 TWh in 2025, a record high. The Association said that if national nuclear expansion plans are implemented, global nuclear installed capacity could exceed the level corresponding to the “nuclear tripling” target by 2050.

The report shows that global nuclear power generation in 2025 increased by 35 TWh compared with the previous record set in 2024. The average capacity factor of operating nuclear units worldwide was 83.7%, continuing the strong operational performance seen since 2000.

The World Nuclear Association stated that with national targets achieved, identified projects completed, and existing reactors continuing to operate, global nuclear installed capacity could reach 1,457 GW by 2050. According to data from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), there are currently 417 operating reactors across 31 countries worldwide, with a total installed capacity of approximately 379 GW.

However, the report also cautioned that to achieve the targets proposed by multiple governments, more than 550 GW of installed capacity has yet to be reflected in projects under construction, planned, or proposed.

The World Nuclear Association believes that the current priority lies in translating political support into concrete projects backed by financing arrangements, institutional safeguards, a skilled workforce, and industrial capacity. Since the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Dubai in 2023, 38 countries have endorsed the goal of tripling global nuclear installed capacity by 2050 relative to 2020 levels.

The report's scenario assumes that existing reactors may have their operating lives extended up to 80 years, but it also notes that some existing units may be shut down before 2050, and not all planned or proposed projects will ultimately translate into reactors actually entering operation.

According to the report's projections, by 2050, 1,303 GW of global nuclear installed capacity will come from countries that already operate nuclear power plants, while countries newly entering the nuclear sector will contribute 154 GW.

The report expects that reactors currently under construction will be the main source of nuclear capacity growth this decade, with 54 GW of capacity entering operation by 2030 and an additional 28 GW to be added by 2035.

Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, stated that governments are increasingly recognizing the role of nuclear energy in energy security, affordability, competitiveness, and climate goals. She also emphasized that ambition alone cannot deliver round-the-clock clean energy.

Bilbao y León called for fully utilizing existing nuclear units, completing reactors under construction, and advancing the transition of nuclear development from individual projects to sustained deployment programs. The World Nuclear Association recommended establishing long-term policy and investment frameworks, improving regulatory efficiency, strengthening supply chains, and expanding workforce training to support this transition.

The report also stated that while new projects are being advanced, maintaining and extending the operation of existing nuclear units remains one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to secure low-carbon electricity supply.