The International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported that global nuclear electricity production reached 2,742 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2023 and is projected to increase to 2,843 TWh in 2024. By 2025, production is expected to reach approximately 2,900 TWh.
This growth is driven by the rising demand for electricity across various sectors, including industry, air conditioning, electric vehicles, and data centers, particularly in the context of advancing artificial intelligence. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol stated, 'We are entering a new era for nuclear energy.' He noted that 2025 will mark the highest level of nuclear electricity production in history.
After a decline following the Fukushima disaster in 2011, the nuclear sector is experiencing a resurgence, primarily led by China. Of the 52 reactors that have begun construction globally since 2017, 25 are of Chinese design.
In contrast, countries such as the United States and France are facing stagnation due to the high costs associated with developing new nuclear plants. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the concentration of supply sources in the nuclear industry, with over 99% of enrichment capacity controlled by four companies: the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) at 15%, Russia's Rosatom at 40%, Urenco (a British-German-Dutch consortium) at 33%, and France's Orano at 12%.