Global nuclear energy output is to rise 44% by 2036, according to a new report by BloombergNEF (BNEF), as countries increasingly turn to nuclear power to meet rising electricity demand while reducing carbon emissions. The report projects that global installed nuclear capacity will grow from 372 gigawatts (GW) in 2025 to 535 GW by 2036, marking one of the strongest growth periods for the sector in decades. The expansion is expected to be led by China and India, where large-scale reactor construction and ambitious long-term energy strategies are reshaping the global nuclear landscape.

Rising electricity consumption from industries, electrified transport, homes, and AI-powered data centres is also driving renewed interest in nuclear energy as a reliable source of low-carbon baseload power.

Nuclear Power Is Regaining Global Momentum

After years of relatively slow growth, nuclear energy is once again becoming a key part of the global clean energy transition.

Governments are increasingly recognizing nuclear power as a dependable source of electricity that produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation. As countries work toward climate goals while ensuring energy security, nuclear generation is being viewed as a complement to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which depend on weather conditions.

Growing public acceptance and supportive government policies are also encouraging utilities to reconsider projects that had previously been delayed or cancelled.

China Leads the Next Phase of Expansion

China is expected to remain the biggest driver of global nuclear growth over the coming decade.

• By the end of 2025, the country had 59 GW of nuclear capacity under construction, making it the world’s most active nuclear construction market.
• BloombergNEF expects China to reach approximately 102 GW of installed nuclear capacity by the end of this decade, allowing it to overtake the United States as the world’s largest producer of nuclear power.
• The country also plans to commission seven new nuclear reactors in 2026, further strengthening its role in supplying clean electricity while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

China’s aggressive investment strategy reflects its broader efforts to meet rising electricity demand while supporting long-term carbon neutrality goals.

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India Has Set an Ambitious Nuclear Target

India is also emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing nuclear markets.

• The Indian government has announced its Nuclear Energy Mission, which aims to increase installed nuclear capacity from the current 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047.
• A panel established by the Ministry of Power estimates that achieving this target will require investments of approximately ₹19.28 trillion (around US$204 billion) in cumulative capital expenditure.

The planned expansion forms part of India’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix, improve energy security, and support economic growth while reducing emissions from electricity generation.

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Rising Electricity Demand Is Fueling Investment

One of the biggest reasons global nuclear energy output is expected to rise 44% by 2036 is the rapid increase in electricity consumption worldwide.

Demand continues to grow as countries electrify transportation, industries adopt cleaner technologies, households switch to electric appliances, and AI-driven data centres require enormous amounts of continuous power. Unlike solar and wind energy, nuclear plants can generate electricity around the clock, making them particularly valuable for maintaining stable power grids.

This combination of reliability and low operational emissions is making nuclear energy an increasingly attractive option for governments seeking secure and cleaner electricity supplies.

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Challenges Still Remain

Despite the positive outlook, BloombergNEF notes that nuclear expansion will not be without obstacles.

Large nuclear projects often face lengthy regulatory approval processes, complex safety requirements, high upfront construction costs, and extended development timelines. These factors have historically slowed deployment in many countries.

In the United States, for example, nuclear energy continues to receive strong political support, yet only one commercial nuclear power plant is currently under construction. Even so, BNEF expects new projects to accelerate during the coming decade as electricity demand continues to rise.

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