Nuclear Energy Production Quietly Hits a Fresh Milestone
The global nuclear landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with the focus shifting away from traditional Western producers towards nations prepared to back nuclear power with long-term capital and policy support.
Leading the growth in nuclear power generation recently are the United States, Russia, and emerging markets outside the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The United States remains the top global nuclear power producer, accounting for about 30% of worldwide nuclear electricity generation. With ambitious plans to quadruple its nuclear capacity to 400 Gigawatts-electric (GWe) by 2050, the US is supported by new legislation and advanced reactor projects [1][2][3].
Russia, with its vast natural resources and historical leadership in nuclear technology, is also a major player. Operating as a dominant force internationally through its state nuclear conglomerate Rosatom, Russia continues to build plants, supply fuel, and export nuclear technology globally, despite sanctions on its fossil fuels [4].
The geopolitical landscape is shifting towards non-OECD countries for several reasons. Firstly, these countries are expanding their nuclear capacity to meet growing energy demand and diversify their energy sources, driven by industrialization and economic growth, especially in Asia and some emerging economies [4].
Russia's nuclear industry remains robust and influential in international markets, positioning it as a strategic energy actor for many non-OECD states [4]. The United States is ramping up advanced nuclear fuel production capabilities (like High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium or HALEU) and hybrid energy infrastructure to maintain leadership, but many projects indicate a long timeline (first new reactors by 2032) and substantial capital investment [2][3].
Non-OECD countries often seek nuclear power not only for energy security but also for geopolitical leverage, attracted by partnerships and technology transfers from established powers like Russia and China (not covered directly in the results but commonly known).
Meanwhile, Africa's only nuclear producer, South Africa, remains flat at about 13 Terawatt-hours (TWh) in nuclear output. Europe's nuclear giants, such as Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and Sweden, are deciding between retirements and life extensions for their nuclear plants. Conversely, countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia are increasing their nuclear output.
In Asia, Taiwan is phasing out nuclear, with production falling from 42 TWh in 2016 to just 12 TWh in 2024. Pakistan and Iran continue steady, if modest, growth in their nuclear output. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ramped up its nuclear output from zero in 2019 to over 40 TWh in 2024 thanks to the Barakah plant.
Ukraine has managed to maintain over 50 TWh annually in nuclear output despite wartime disruptions. Mexico's nuclear output shows big year-to-year swings, possibly indicating operational challenges. Japan's nuclear output remains far below pre-Fukushima levels, at 84 TWh last year compared to more than 300 TWh in 2010.
Canada's nuclear output decreased from 106 TWh in 2016 to 85 TWh in 2024 due to plant refurbishments and changing policies. France's nuclear output fell from 442 TWh in 2016 to 338 TWh last year due to maintenance issues and political uncertainty.
Every gigawatt China moves from coal to nuclear represents a major win in the fight to reduce carbon emissions. The global nuclear landscape is diverging, with some countries investing in nuclear power while others are phasing it out. This dynamic trend underscores the need for continued investment in nuclear technology, infrastructure, and policy to ensure a sustainable energy future.
[1] Nuclear Energy Institute [2] World Nuclear Association [3] U.S. Department of Energy [4] World Nuclear News
- The significant transformation in the global nuclear landscape involves not just traditional Western producers but also countries prepared to invest in nuclear power with long-term capital and policy support, such as Asia, the Middle East, and emerging economies, which are expanding their nuclear capacity for energy demand and diversification, driven by industrialization and economic growth, including China with its expansion ambitions.
- Science plays a crucial role in this development, as countries like the United States and China are focusing on advanced reactor projects and nuclear fuel production capabilities that contribute to the decarbonization efforts and clean energy solutions.
- Climate-change concerns have led countries to embrace low-carbon power, and the nuclear industry appears to be an attractive option for countries such as the United Arab Emirates, which has ramped up its nuclear output significantly.
- As the global nuclear landscape diverges, with some countries investing in nuclear power and others phasing it out, finance will be a crucial factor in shaping the future of the industry, as policy support and capital investment are essential for realizing the ambitions of ambitious projects in the field of environmental science and renewable-energy.
