Global nuclear power capacity is projected to increase from 395GW in 2024 to 494GW by 2035, according to GlobalData, fueled by the transition to clean energy and technological advances in small modular reactors (SMRs).
Global nuclear electricity generation will rise from 2,616 TWh in 2024 to 3,410 TWh in 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 2 percent.
Nuclear currently contributes around 9 percent to global electricity generation. The US leads with 97GW capacity and 787.6 TWh generation in 2024, followed by France with 61.4GW and 333.3 TWh. China, with the fastest-growing fleet, now generates 386.1 TWh from 56GW, overtaking France in output.
This growth is driven by energy security concerns amid geopolitical tensions, a surge in electricity demand — especially from data centers — and government support mechanisms such as grants, loan guarantees, and tax credits.
SMRs are gaining traction for their compact size, rapid deployment, and safety benefits, offering capacities under 300MW and factory-built modularity. Over 100 SMRs are under development globally, with more than 10,000MW in new capacity expected by 2035. Early deployments are concentrated in Russia and China, while the US, UK, Canada, and others are advancing diverse strategies.
Strategies to expand nuclear adoption include lifetime extensions of aging reactors, investments in next-generation technologies, and the integration of SMRs into remote and industrial applications. Governments worldwide are aligning nuclear power with climate and energy resilience goals, making it a critical element of long-term clean energy strategies.
GreentechLead.com News Desk