Global Nuclear Power Capacity to Rise 44% by 2036

Global nuclear power capacity is projected to increase by 44% over the next decade, rising from 372 gigawatts in 2025 to 535 gigawatts by 2036. According to a report by BloombergNEF, this growth marks the end of a stagnation period that followed the 2011 Fukushima disaster, fueled by decarbonization targets, energy security needs, and surging electricity demand from artificial intelligence data centers, industrial users, and electrified homes.

China is on track to surpass the United States as the world's largest nuclear power capacity holder, with projections suggesting it will reach 102 gigawatts by 2030. To achieve this, China plans to activate seven new reactors this year. Similarly, the Government of India has launched a Nuclear Energy Mission to increase its capacity from 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, a goal estimated to require approximately $204 billion in capital.

In the United States, the administration of Donald Trump is providing strong support for nuclear technology, although only one commercial plant is currently under construction. While international climate efforts and increased social acceptance are prompting governments to reverse restrictive policies, BloombergNEF notes that historically slow regulatory processes may temper the overall pace of global growth.