World Nuclear Outlook Report

Global nuclear capacity would expand to 1446 GWe by 2050 if the continued operation of existing reactors and the deployment of new nuclear build meet targets set by governments for national nuclear capacity.

This chapter sets the global context for nuclear energy, examining how nuclear generation has evolved, what technologies dominate today, and why nuclear power is increasingly viewed as essential for decarbonization, rising electricity demand, reliability, and energy security through mid-century.

This chapter explains how emerging reactor designs broaden nuclear’s role beyond large water-cooled plants, categorizing technologies by size and coolant and linking them to new applications. It shows how advanced reactors could support electricity, heat, industry, hydrogen, desalination, storage, and mobile uses.

This section of Chapter 3 documents the growing governmental, financial, and corporate endorsement of nuclear energy globally.

Assessments of national plans for nuclear energy are detailed individually, below.

This chapter evaluates whether national nuclear ambitions to 2050 are achievable, examining the combined roles of existing reactor lifetimes, new build pipelines, construction rates, and policy support to assess if global nuclear capacity can realistically meet climate and energy security objectives.

Argentina operates three reactors, is extending lifetimes, and is expanding nuclear capacity. Alongside the 29 MWe CAREM SMR under construction, 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 pursuing new capacity through either a large replacement plant or small modular reactors with international partners.

Belarus now meets around 40% of its electricity demand from the two-unit Ostrovets nuclear plant. The government is assessing options for further expansion, including a second nuclear plant or 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 plans significant nuclear expansion by 2050. National strategy prioritizes large reactors initially, with SMRs and advanced technologies later, alongside development of domestic SMR and microreactor capabilities.

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 this decade, 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.

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.

Hungary plans to meet up to 70% of electricity demand with nuclear power by the 2030s, including through the construction of the Paks II project. There is longer-term interest emerging in small modular reactors.

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.

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.

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.

Mexico operates two reactors at Laguna Verde and is considering nuclear expansion to cut gas dependence and emissions. Government climate targets imply a need to double nuclear electricity output by 2035, signalling renewed interest in expanding nuclear capacity.

The Netherlands plans to extend the operation of its sole reactor and build up to four new nuclear units to meet climate goals. While large reactors remain central to plans, parallel work on SMRs is advancing, supporting a broader strategy to expand nuclear power by mid-century.

Pakistan operates six nuclear reactors and is pursuing major expansion to meet rising electricity demand and emissions goals. Under its Nuclear Energy Vision 2050, capacity is targeted to reach 40 GWe, supported by new Chinese-built reactors now under construction.

Romania is extending the life of its Cernavoda reactors while advancing major new nuclear projects. Plans include completing units 3 and 4 by 2031 and deploying one of Europe’s first commercial SMR plants, strengthening long-term energy security and decarbonization.

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.

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.

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

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.

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  aims to expand capacity 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.

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 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.

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.

Egypt is developing its first nuclear power plant as part of a strategy to diversify its energy mix. Four reactors are under construction at El-Dabaa, with initial units due online by 2028, supporting goals to cut fossil fuel use.

Turkey 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.

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. Government studies have identified SMRs as suitable, with plans advancing for a two-unit BWRX-300 plant in the mid-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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 1.2 GWe 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.

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. National strategy and recent government statements highlight interest in small modular reactors, with international cooperation sought to support potential future deployment.

Sri Lanka is considering nuclear energy as a long-term option in its power planning. Government scenarios include a possible 600 MWe reactor after 2040, while studies suggest that smaller nuclear technologies may be more suitable given grid constraints.

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.

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.

Uzbekistan is advancing nuclear power development through cooperation with Russia. Plans have evolved from large reactors to an initial SMR project, with construction scheduled later this decade, and now include a mix of large and small reactors at the Jizzakh site.

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.

Details on other countries that have expressed an interest in deploying nuclear energy.

How projected nuclear capacity growth to 2040 and beyond would require major expansion of uranium mining and fuel-cycle infrastructure, highlighting supply gaps, long lead times, geopolitical risks, financing needs, and workforce challenges that must be addressed to support tripling nuclear capacity.

This appendix reviews the future of nuclear energy under major energy scenarios, compares their results against the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy and the results from this report.

Catergories used in this report: under construction, planned, proposed, potential and government targets

References listed in the World Nuclear Outlook Report