New WNA Projections Strengthen the Case for Nuclear Infrastructure

The global push to triple nuclear energy capacity has shifted from aspiration to a quantified roadmap, creating an investment opportunity. The global push to triple nuclear energy capacity has shifted from aspiration to a quantified roadmap. Global nuclear capacity is on track to potentially reach 1,428 gigawatt electrical (GWe) by 2050, according to the “World Nuclear Outlook Report 2025,” released by the World Nuclear Association (WNA) at COP30. This projection significantly surpasses the 1,200 GWe goal previously endorsed by more than 30 countries. Current global capacity is sitting at nearly 397 GWe across 440 reactors. So achieving these targets requires a robust infrastructure build-out. The WNA report emphasizes that while the target is achievable, the execution curve is steep. To succeed, new grid connection rates in 2050 must be more than four times the rate required in 2030. Geographically, the expansion is concentrated. That’s because China and the U.S. may account for more than half of total global nuclear capacity by 2050. “Our analysis indicates that at least tripling nuclear capacity by 2050 is achievable with the timely action of bold global industry leaders, forward-thinking governments, and an increasingly engaged civil society. This is our chance to build a cleaner, more secure energy future for everyone everywhere, powered by affordable 24/7, low-carbon nuclear energy,” said Dr. Sama Bilbao y Leon, director general of the WNA.

“Our analysis indicates that at least tripling nuclear capacity by 2050 is achievable with the timely action of bold global industry leaders, forward-thinking governments, and an increasingly engaged civil society. This is our chance to build a cleaner, more secure energy future for everyone everywhere, powered by affordable 24/7, low-carbon nuclear energy.”

Summary of key projections and context:

Global nuclear capacity target: 1,428 GWe by 2050, up from the previous 1,200 GWe goal endorsed by 30+ countries.
Current capacity: ~397 GWe across 440 reactors.
Infrastructure challenge: grid connection rates in 2050 must exceed fourfold the 2030 rate.
Geographic focus: China and the United States could exceed half of total global capacity by 2050.
Leadership quote from Dr. Sama Bilbao y Leon, WNA director general, emphasizing action by industry, governments, and civil society.

“Our analysis indicates that at least tripling nuclear capacity by 2050 is achievable with the timely action of bold global industry leaders, forward-thinking governments, and an increasingly engaged civil society. This is our chance to build a cleaner, more secure energy future for everyone everywhere, powered by affordable 24/7, low-carbon nuclear energy,” said Dr. Sama Bilbao y Leon, director general of the WNA.

Авторское резюме: В ближайшие десятилетия мировая ядерная энергетика может значительно расшириться, если ускорить строительство инфраструктуры и подвести гибкую сетевую поддержку, чтобы обеспечить доступность и надежность за счет низкоуглеродной энергии.

ETF Database — 2025-11-19

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