Nuclear power could more than triple by 2060, UN agency says

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🗞️ Driving the news: The International Atomic Energy Agency expects global nuclear power capacity could more than triple by 2060, driven by electrification, rising data-centre demand and growing interest in reliable low-carbon electricity

🔭 The context: More than 400 operating reactors across over 30 countries produced around 10% of global electricity in 2025 and roughly one-quarter of the world’s low-carbon power
• More than 60 reactors are currently under construction, while projections for future nuclear capacity have risen sharply
• IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said demand from technology companies and AI-powered data centres is emerging as an additional driver of new nuclear investment

🌍 Why it matters: Nuclear energy is increasingly being positioned as part of the energy transition, particularly as governments seek firm low-carbon generation that can complement variable wind and solar power
• The outlook also reflects growing concerns over energy security and rapidly rising electricity demand from electrification and digital infrastructure
• Expansion will still depend on financing, construction timelines, waste management, regulatory approvals and maintaining strong nuclear-safety standards

⏭️ What’s next: With dozens of reactors already under construction, governments and utilities will need to translate stronger nuclear ambitions into projects while addressing supply-chain capacity, costs and safety requirements

📈 One stat: Nuclear power supplied around 10% of global electricity and 25% of low-carbon electricity in 2025, while the IAEA says its use could more than triple by 2060

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