- Global nuclear capacity could more than double by 2050, with 416 reactors currently operating, 63 under construction, and new units planned for the UAE, France, the US, India, and China.
- Emerging nuclear markets include Egypt, Bangladesh, Türkiye, and India, while non-electric uses like district heating, industrial heat, and desalination are growing, led by China and Russia.
Global nuclear power is expanding as countries seek low-carbon, reliable electricity. Experts increasingly see nuclear energy as a key partner to wind and solar in the push toward net-zero emissions. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) tracks reactor status worldwide through its Power Reactor Information System (PRIS).
The IAEA projects that global nuclear capacity could more than double by 2050, reaching between 561 GW(e) and 992 GW(e). This growth would position nuclear energy as a major driver in the clean energy transition.
As of November 19, 2025, 416 nuclear reactors provide a total capacity of 376.3 GW(e) worldwide. In 2024, 421 reactors generated approximately 2,617 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. The United States leads nuclear production with 94 reactors generating roughly 782 TWh. China operates 57 reactors and is building 29 more, producing over 417 TWh in 2024. In Europe, France leads with 57 reactors producing 63 GW(e) and supplying 67.3% of the country’s electricity. Slovakia, Hungary, and Finland also rely heavily on nuclear for 60.6%, 47.1%, and 39.1% of electricity, respectively.
Meanwhile, countries continue to invest in nuclear energy, with 63 reactors under construction, adding 66.2 GW(e) of capacity. Several new units came online between 2024 and 2025, including Barakah-4 in the UAE, Flamanville-3 in France, Vogtle-4 in the US, Kakrapar-4 and Rajasthan-7 in India, and Fangchenggang-4 and Zhangzhou-1 in China.
More countries are entering nuclear power. Egypt is building four reactors totalling 4.4 GW(e), Bangladesh is constructing two units at 2.2 GW(e), and India is adding six more at 4.8 GW(e). Türkiye, Ukraine, and Russia are also expanding their nuclear fleets to strengthen energy security and reduce emissions.
Nuclear energy supports non-electric applications as well. In 2024, reactors produced 2,644 GWh of heat for district heating (94.1%), industrial heating (4.1%), and desalination (1.9%). China and Russia lead these efforts, showing nuclear’s broader role in energy systems.