The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released its World Energy Outlook 2025 (WEO 2025), identifying nuclear power as a key pillar in the world’s response to rising electricity demand, energy security pressures and the accelerating shift toward low-carbon systems. After more than two decades of limited growth, nuclear energy is experiencing a renewed sense of purpose and policy momentum.

According to the report, under the Current Policies Scenario, global nuclear capacity is projected to increase from about 420 GW in 2024 to roughly 728 GW by 2050 — a growth of more than 70 percent. In pathways aligned with deeper decarbonisation, the expansion could be even greater. Nuclear generation is expected to reach an all-time high in 2025, underlining its growing role in meeting surging power needs.

Across advanced economies and emerging markets alike, the strategic role of nuclear energy is being re-evaluated. Europe, Japan and South Korea have moved to extend the life of existing reactors amid energy price volatility, while China, India, the Middle East and parts of Africa are leading a new wave of construction. Over 70 GW of nuclear capacity is currently under construction — the highest level in nearly 30 years.

Technological innovation is transforming the industry. Small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced fuel cycles and digital safety systems are paving the way for safer, more flexible and cost-effective deployment. Several countries are exploring synergies between nuclear energy and hydrogen production, district heating, desalination and data-centre power supply.

The IEA emphasises that electricity is becoming the backbone of modern economies, and nuclear power — with its high capacity factors, zero direct carbon emissions and energy-security advantages — will play a vital role in the future power mix. Beyond electricity generation, nuclear energy can contribute to industrial decarbonisation, synthetic fuel production and other hard-to-abate sectors.

More than 40 countries have now integrated nuclear energy into their national strategies, including a growing number of newcomers developing their first reactors. By the 2030s, global construction activity is projected to reach its highest level since the 1980s.

Despite the promising outlook, the IEA warns that major challenges remain. Financing costs, supply-chain capacity constraints, long equipment lead times and shortages of skilled professionals could slow deployment. Sustained investment in innovation, workforce development and project execution capability will be essential to realise the sector’s potential.

Taken together, WEO 2025 portrays nuclear energy not as a relic of the past but as a central component of the world’s energy future — a technology uniquely positioned to deliver both climate progress and energy security in an era of rapid transformation.