Nuclear generation set a new record in 2025 and is set to continue rising steadily through 2030, according to the International Energy Agency.

Nuclear power output in 2025 was up 1.2%, supported by reactor restarts in Japan, higher generation in France, and new capacity additions in China, India and other countries, the agency said in its electricity 2026 analysis and forecast to 2030.

While most of the growth in nuclear generation until 2030 is expected to occur in emerging economies, with China alone accounting for around 40% of the global increase, nuclear energy is also regaining strategic importance in many advanced economies, underpinned by supportive policy frameworks to extend the lifetime of reactors and add new capacity.