Nuclear capacity in the Middle East and Africa (Mena) region is projected to triple by 2035 to reach 19 GW, a notable shift in the regional energy landscape as countries seek reliable, affordable, low-emissions energy sources to enhance energy security and grid stability, a report says.

According to the International Energy Agency report, The Future of Electricity in the Middle East and North Africa, the region’s nuclear industry is set to capture a larger share of power sector investment, which reached $44bn (€37bn) in 2024 and is projected to grow by 50% by 2035.

In 2023, the electricity mix in the Mena region was dominated by fossil fuels, accounting for almost 95% of the total. Nuclear power accounted for just over 2% of total electricity supply.

In the last five years, however, the electricity mix in the region has begun to change. While natural gas has seen the largest increase, meeting half of all new demand, nuclear power was second-largest contributor, increasing more than fivefold from 2018 to 2023.