Nuclear power delivers low-carbon, reliable electricity. As more countries aim for net-zero emissions, nuclear energy is increasingly seen as a crucial partner to renewable sources like wind and solar.
The IAEA’s Power Reactor Information System (PRIS) tracks the status of nuclear power reactors globally. All information and data items are provided voluntarily by countries and collected by the IAEA via data providers nominated officially by Member States.
Here are six key trends from the Nuclear Power Status in 2025 that show how nuclear energy uptake is evolving:
1. Global Nuclear Capacity can Increase by more than double by 2050
According to the IAEA projections, global nuclear power capacity could double by 2050 — reaching between 561 GW(e) (low estimate) and 992 GW(e) (high estimate). This growth would make nuclear a key player in the clean energy transition.
2. 416 Nuclear Reactors are in operation around the world
PRIS is tracking reactor level data, and as status of reactors is updated on ongoing basis, it can vary from one day to another. As of 19 November 2025 there is 376.3 GW(e) of nuclear capacity provided by 416 reactors in operation across the world. In 2024, 421 operating reactors with total capacity of 377.0 GW(e) generated about 2617.3 TWh of electricity — enough to supply hundreds of millions of homes with low-carbon energy.
The United States remains the world’s largest nuclear power producer, with 94 reactors (96,952 (MW(e)) generating about 781.9 TWh of electricity in 2024.
China is rapidly expanding its nuclear fleet, operating 57 reactors (55.3 GW(e ) and building 29 (29.6 GW(e)) more. In 2024, it produced over 417.5 TWh of nuclear electricity.
Nuclear energy also plays a big role in Europe’s electricity mix. France leads the way with 57 nuclear reactors (63.0 GW(e)) generating about 67,3% of the country’s electricity in 2024— the highest share in the world.
Other countries with high nuclear electricity production share include Slovakia with 60,6% of its electricity from nuclear, Hungary relies on it for 47,1% and Finland uses nuclear for 39,1% of its electricity needs.
3. 63 Reactors are Under Construction
Globally, there are 63 reactors under construction, which will add 66.2 (GW(e)) of capacity once completed. This shows that many countries are investing in nuclear energy to meet growing electricity needs, reduce emissions and climate goals.
4. New Nuclear Units Connected to the Grid
Several new nuclear units were connected to the grid during the period of 2024- 2025, including:
- Barakah-4 (PWR, 1310 MW(e)) in the United Arab Emirates
- Flamanville-3 (EPR, 1000 MW(e)) in France
- Vogtle-4 (PWR, 1117 MW(e)) in the United States
- Kakrapar-4 (PHWR, 630 MW(e)) and Rajasthan-7 (PHWR, 630 MW(e)) in India
- Fangchenggang-4 (PWR, 1000 MW(e)) and Zhangzhou-1 (PWR, 1126 MW(e)) in China.
These additions reflect global momentum in deploying advanced nuclear technologies.
5. More Countries are Entering the Nuclear Scene
Nuclear power is growing worldwide.
South Africa is Africa’s only current nuclear power producers, with two reactors (1.9 GW(e)) providing about 3.9% of its national electricity. But, for the first time, Egypt is constructing four nuclear power reactors with total capacity of 4.4 GW(e) — marking a significant step toward diversifying their energy sources and developing local expertise.
South Asia is expanding nuclear capacity too, Bangladesh is building its first two reactors (2.2 GW(e)), while India is constructing six more (4.8 GW(e). Across Europe, Türkiye is constructing four reactors (4.5 GW(e)), Ukraine two (2.1 GW(e)), and Russia five (5.0 GW(e) — strengthening energy security and low-carbon power generation.
6. Non-Electric Uses of Nuclear Energy are Growing
In 2024, nuclear reactors provided 2,644 gigawatt hours of electrical equivalent of heat for:
- District heating (94.1%)
- Industrial heating (4.1%)
- Desalination (1,9%)
China and Russia lead in these non-electric applications, showing how nuclear energy can support broader energy needs.
