Nuclear generation could more than double in the by 2050 with at least 30 countries increasing their use of nuclear power and widespread lifetime extensions in advanced economies providing a foundation, the latest edition of the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook says.

Recent events, market conditions and policies are shifting views on natural gas and limiting its role, while underlining the potential for nuclear power to cut emissions and strengthen electricity security, the report says.

In a scenario that examines what needs to happen for the world to meet net zero by 2050, an annual average of 30 GW of new nuclear capacity comes online in the 2030s, marking a major comeback for the nuclear industry, and innovative technologies including small modular reactors become available.