Global Nuclear Power Output Set for Record Surge in 2027
DID Press: Global nuclear electricity generation is projected to reach a historic milestone in 2027, surpassing 3,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) for the first time as new reactors come online and maintenance-related outages decline, according to new projections by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
A new IEA report, reviewed by an energy research group in Washington, indicates that the global nuclear sector is entering a period of accelerated growth. The agency forecasts annual nuclear power generation to increase by 4.6% in 2027, pushing worldwide output beyond the 3,000 TWh threshold for the first time.
According to the report, global nuclear generation rose from 2,821 TWh in 2024 to 2,855 TWh in 2025 and is expected to reach 2,871 TWh in 2026. The relatively modest growth this year is attributed to delays in nuclear projects in Turkey and Bangladesh, slower output growth in China and Japan, and reduced generation in South Korea and several European countries. Increased production in France has partially offset these declines.
The strongest expansion is expected in 2027, when new reactors in China and India are scheduled to enter commercial operation, while nuclear generation in the United States and France is expected to remain robust and previously delayed projects are completed.
In China, nuclear electricity production fell 0.7% during the first half of 2026 due to scheduled refueling outages. With those reactors returning to service, output is forecast to rebound, with generation expected to grow by around 6% in 2027.
India recorded nuclear generation growth of more than 11% in the first half of 2026, supported by the commissioning of Rajasthan Unit 7. The planned launch of Rajasthan Unit 8 and two 160-megawatt Tarapur reactors could boost India’s nuclear generation by 30% in 2026 and approximately 22% in 2027.
In the United States, nuclear power generation increased 1.1% during the first half of 2026. The IEA expects annual growth of around 1% in both 2026 and 2027, potentially lifting U.S. nuclear output to its highest level since 2019.
Within the European Union, nuclear generation declined by 1% during the first half of 2026. Higher output in France and Finland partly compensated for planned maintenance outages in Sweden, the Czech Republic, Belgium, and Romania. Overall, European nuclear production is expected to remain broadly stable through 2026 and 2027.
The IEA also projects total global electricity generation to rise from 31,490 TWh in 2025 to 32,570 TWh in 2026, before reaching 33,830 TWh in 2027, representing annual growth of 3.4% and 3.9%, respectively.
Global electricity demand is likewise expected to continue rising, increasing from 28,600 TWh in 2025 to 29,600 TWh in 2026, and approaching 30,700 TWh in 2027, reflecting sustained growth in worldwide energy consumption.