Nuclear capacity could grow by 40 GW a year between 2025-2050 under an optimistic scenario that delivers on decarbonisation targets, according to McKinsey’s Global Energy Perspective 2026 report.

The report said that such a scenario would be contingent on the energy system delivering on affordability, security and decarbonisation.

Under a “continued momentum” scenario, the US-based business consultancy projected capacity growth of 18 GW a year over the period. According to its data, net annual capacity growth in nuclear was 6 GW between 2020-2025.