World Nuclear Outlook Report 2026

Nuclear energy entered 2026 from a position of renewed growth and strengthening policy support. Global nuclear generation reached a new record of 2702 TWh in 2025, up 35 TWh on 2024, supplying around 9% of the world's electricity.

Nuclear reactors supplied a total of 2702 TWh of electricity in 2025, up 35 TWh from 2667 TWh in 2024, thereby setting a new annual record for global electricity supply.

Global operable nuclear capacity is projected to reach 1472 GWe by 2050 if reactors currently operable operate up to a maximum of 80 years, reactors classified as under construction, planned, or proposed enter operation and national nuclear capacity targets are met.

The WNOR assessment framework evaluates countries’ progress towards their stated goals and their readiness to implement and deliver new-build programmes.

How governments, regulators, industry, financial institutions and international organizations can overcome common barriers to deployment and take actionsto help meet the tripling goal.

Global energy demand is rising as populations grow and economies electrify, while emissions must fall sharply. Meeting both objectives will require a major expansion of clean, reliable energy, with nuclear power playing a significant part.

Argentina operates three reactors, is extending lifetimes, and is expanding nuclear capacity. While construction on the 29 MWe CAREM SMR is paused, plans include either a new large reactor or multiple domestically developed SMRs at Atucha.

Armenia relies on a single nuclear reactor for over a quarter of its electricity, is extending its operating life to 2036, and is exploring the option of new capacity through small modular reactors with international partners.

Bangladesh is developing nuclear power as part of its low-carbon energy strategy, targeting up to 7.2 GWe by 2050. Two Russian-designed reactors are under construction at Rooppur.

Belarus now meets around 40% of its electricity demand from the two-unit Ostrovets nuclear plant. The government is assessing building an additional unit at Ostrovets.

Belgium has modified its nuclear phase-out, extending key reactors beyond 2035 and potentially to 2045 while older units close. The government now plans lifetime extensions and new build, aiming to maintain and eventually double nuclear capacity as part of its energy security strategy.

Brazil has two operable reactors, and one reactor under construction where work is currently halted. Brazil also has plans for significant nuclear expansion by 2050. 

Bulgaria generates about one-third of its electricity from two reactors at Kozloduy and plans major expansion. The government is pursuing two new large AP1000 units, alongside exploratory work on SMRs, to strengthen energy security and decarbonization.

Canada is extending reactor operations while planning major expansion. Federal and provincial governments are backing large reactors and SMRs, supported by new financing tools, refurbishment programmes, and one of the world’s most advanced SMR deployment pipelines.

China operates the world’s second largest fleet of reactors and has the largest nuclear construction programme. State-backed financing and continuous approvals underpin rapid expansion, with capacity projections rising sharply toward mid-century, with new large reactors and SMRs.

The Czech Republic plans to expand nuclear power through lifetime extensions at Dukovany and major new build. New large reactors are advancing this decade alongside emerging SMR plans.

Ecuador is considering nuclear power to address recent energy shortages. Government plans published in 2025 propose developing a 300 MWe small modular reactor in the medium term, followed by a larger 1000 MWe nuclear plant in the longer term.

Estonia is exploring nuclear energy as it phases out oil shale-fuelled electricity generation. A Nuclear Energy and Safety Act has been passed and plans are advancing for a two-unit BWRX-300 plant in the mid-2030s.

Finland operates five reactors. While large new-build projects have been cancelled, the country is advancing lifetime extensions, uprates, and innovative SMR projects, including for district heating, as well as electricity generation.

France is extending the lifetimes of its nuclear fleet beyond 40 years while assessing operation to 60 years and beyond. Alongside this, the government is advancing a major new-build programme of large reactors. SMRs are also being developed for deployment in the 2030s.

Ghana is progressing long-standing plans to introduce nuclear power, targeting a 1000 MWe plant by the mid-2030s. A preferred site has been selected, multiple international vendors engaged, and parallel interest has emerged in deploying a NuScale SMR as part of the country’s energy strategy.

Hungary planned to meet up to 70% of electricity demand with nuclear power by the 2030s, including through the construction of Paks II. A new government has called a review of the Paks II project.

India has ambitious plans for nuclear capacity to reach 100 GWe by 2047. Alongside major large-reactor expansion, legislative reform and new financing models support private participation, indigenous technologies, and the deployment of Bharat Small Reactors to meet energy security and climate goals.

Indonesia is incorporating nuclear energy into its long-term energy transition, with capacity targets rising through mid-century. There are plans for a molten salt reactor, with operation targets for 2032.

Iran operates one nuclear reactor and is plans to expand capacity through additional Russian-built units at Bushehr and domestically designed reactors. With multiple projects underway or planned, the country is targeting 20 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2042 to support long-term energy needs.

Italy, which exited nuclear power in the early 1990s, is reassessing its position as part of the energy transition. Recent government actions are aimed at reintroducing nuclear to reach 8-16 GWe by mid-century to support decarbonization goals.

Japan is reassessing nuclear energy to reduce import dependence and cut emissions, targeting around 20% nuclear electricity by 2030–2040. Progress depends on reactor restarts, lifetime extensions beyond 60 years, and selective new construction.

Kazakhstan is moving toward nuclear power following strong public support in a 2024 referendum. Plans include building large reactors with international partners to reach 5% nuclear generation by 2035, alongside exploratory work on small modular reactors.

Kenya is exploring nuclear power as part of its long-term energy planning. Government strategy targets commissioning a first 1000 MWe nuclear plant by 2035, with construction expected early in the 2030s following an international tender process.

Mexico operates two reactors at Laguna Verde. Earlier targets suggesting a doubling of nuclear capacity by 2035 appear to have been dropped. 

Nigeria has long planned to develop nuclear power, targeting 4000 MWe with international partners and identified sites. However, policy direction is shifting, with the government in 2025 signalling a preference for small modular reactors over large nuclear units.

Pakistan operates six nuclear reactors and is pursuing major expansion to meet rising electricity demand and emissions goals. It has one reactor under construction. Under its Nuclear Energy Vision 2050, capacity is targeted to reach 40 GWe.

The Philippines is reassessing nuclear power, including studies to revive the uncommissioned Bataan plant. National energy plans also consider new large reactors and SMRs, targeting at least 1200 MWe of nuclear capacity by 2032 with further additions by mid-century.

Poland is advancing a major nuclear programme, targeting up to 9 GWe by the 2040s. Large reactors are moving toward construction, while multiple SMR initiatives are progressing in parallel.

Romania has sustained political commitment for completing Cernavodă 3&4. River works will be required to ensure sufficient cooling water supply.

Russia operates one of the world’s largest nuclear fleets and is extending reactor lifetimes while pursuing extensive new build. Government plans target a higher nuclear share by 2045, supported by large reactors, fast reactors, and a growing programme of SMRs.

Saudi Arabia has outlined long-term plans to introduce nuclear power as part of its Vision 2030 strategy. The Saudi Nuclear Energy Holding Company (SNEHC), established in 2022, will act as the developer of the country's national nuclear energy programme.

Serbia has lifted its long-standing ban on nuclear power and is exploring nuclear energy as a post-2040 option. 

Slovakia operates a growing nuclear fleet, with a sixth reactor starting up at Mochovce and plans for further expansion. The government is advancing a new large reactor at Bohunice while actively exploring multiple SMR options to strengthen long-term energy security.

Slovenia relies heavily on nuclear power and has extended the Krško reactor’s lifetime to support decarbonization. Cross-party backing supports new large reactors at Krško and, potentially, SMRs, with major investment decisions and a national referendum planned later this decade.

South Africa is extending the operating life of its Koeberg nuclear plant while reassessing new-build plans. Eskom has environmental authorization to construct and operate a new nuclear power station in Duynefontein. IRP 2025 calls for 5200 MWe of new nuclear capacity by 2039

South Korea maintains a large nuclear fleet. New reactors are under construction and the process to extend the operation of existing plants is underway. However, policy direction is unclear.

Spain operates seven nuclear reactors supplying about 20% of electricity but has a policy to phase out nuclear power by 2035. Political debate continues, with the Plenary Session of the Congress, the lower house of Spain’s legislative branch, narrowly supporting a call to reconsider the phase-out.

Sweden has shifted policy toward fossil-free electricity, enabling new nuclear development. Plans include operating lifetime extensions to 80 years, construction of large reactors, and significant SMR deployment from the early 2030s, supported by government credit guarantees.

Switzerland operates four nuclear reactors supplying electricity and district heating. Following a post-Fukushima phase-out policy, existing plants continue operating with uprates. In 2025 the Federal Council presented draft legislation proposing lifting the ban on new nuclear construction.

Thailand is considering nuclear energy as part of future power planning, proposing two 300 MWe SMRs by 2037. Government and industry initiatives include exploring advanced reactor technologies, such as floating molten salt reactors, to diversify the electricity mix.

Türkiye plans a major nuclear expansion to strengthen energy security and meet climate goals. Four reactors are under construction at Akkuyu, additional large plants are planned, and the government is developing SMR options, targeting 20 GWe of nuclear capacity by mid-century.

Uganda’s long-term energy strategy includes ambitious nuclear targets, aiming for large-scale deployment by 2040. Government statements and land acquisition indicate intent to develop nuclear power, with international partners identified.

Ukraine relies heavily on nuclear power for electricity supply. Energoatom and Westinghouse have signed an agreement to construct nine AP1000 units in Ukraine

The United Arab Emirates operates four reactors at Barakah supplying up to a quarter of electricity demand. The government is assessing additional nuclear options, including SMRs, as part of its long-term energy diversification strategy.

The UK's previous goverment aimed to expand capacity up to 24 GWe by 2050. New large reactors are under construction and planned. A new nuclear delivery body, and selected SMR deployment are central to the long-term strategy.

The United States operates the world’s largest nuclear fleet and is pursuing significant expansion through lifetime extensions, reactor restarts, large new builds, and advanced reactor projects. Federal policy aims to accelerate deployment and licensing, with long-term targets to substantially increase nuclear capacity by mid-century.

Uzbekistan is advancing nuclear power development through cooperation with Russia. Plans have evolved to include large reactors and SMRs as the first project.

Vietnam has restarted plans for nuclear power, reviving the Ninh Thuan project with multiple large reactors and identifying additional sites nationwide. Revised power plans envisage several gigawatts of nuclear capacity by mid-century, alongside consideration of smaller reactor technologies.