Nuclear Power in 2025: A Record Production Driven by China

In 2025, nuclear energy will reach an unprecedented production level, driven by China and the growing global electricity demand. Former leaders, such as the United States and Europe, see their influence diminish amidst these changes.

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Global nuclear electricity production is expected to reach 2,900 TWh in 2025, marking a historic record, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This growth reflects increasing demand, driven by sectors such as industry, air conditioning, and electric vehicles.

In 2023, more than 410 reactors were operational in 30 countries, generating 2,742 TWh of electricity. Continued growth is led by Asia, particularly China, which accounts for 25 of the 52 reactors whose construction has started since 2017. This dynamism contrasts with the setbacks observed in Europe and the United States, where high costs and delays undermine new projects.

China’s Growing Dominance

China is set to surpass the United States and Europe to become the world’s leading nuclear power within five years. This rise illustrates a historic geographical shift in the nuclear industry, which had been dominated by the West since the 1970s.

In Europe, the share of nuclear in electricity production fell from 35% in the 1990s to less than 25% today. This decline is expected to continue, dropping below 15% within a decade. In the United States, similar challenges hinder the sector’s development.

Concentration of Enrichment Capacities

Global uranium enrichment supply relies on a limited number of actors. Four companies dominate the sector: China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Rosatom (Russia), Urenco (Europe), and Orano (France). Together, they control 99% of enrichment capacities, with Rosatom alone representing 40%. This concentration poses a strategic risk, particularly in the context of growing geopolitical tensions.

Modular Reactors as a Future Solution

Technological advancements are paving the way for small modular reactors (SMRs), tailored to the specific needs of industrial sites or technology companies. These reactors, competitive compared to other renewable energy sources, are expected to play a key role in global electrification. Deployment is already underway in China, Europe, the United States, and Canada.

According to the IEA, global nuclear capacity could increase by 50% by 2050, reaching 650 GW, or even exceed 1,000 GW with ambitious government policies. Since 1971, nuclear energy has avoided 72 gigatons of CO2, strengthening both energy security and climate change mitigation.

Russia and Iran seek to strengthen their nuclear cooperation as the E3 activates the sanctions mechanism against Tehran, reigniting tensions over compliance with the 2015 Vienna agreement.
US-based Natura Resources has secured strategic funding and key permits for its MSR-1 nuclear reactor, backed by public funds and enriched fuel allocation from the Department of Energy.
The United States and South Korea have agreed to initiate discussions on reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, marking a potential strategic shift in the long-standing bilateral agreement.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted a 40-year extension for the AP1000 reactor design certification, supporting its long-term construction domestically and deployment abroad.
Nano Nuclear Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dioxitek, Argentina’s only uranium supplier for nuclear fuel, to assess the development of local conversion and enrichment capacities.
Stockholm plans to restart uranium extraction by lifting the 2018 ban, aiming to secure strategic supply chains and support domestic nuclear electricity production.
The French Atomic Energy Commission has signed a letter of intent with start-up Calogena to study the installation of a 30 MW thermal small nuclear reactor at its Cadarache site.
KHNP, Doosan, POSCO and Samsung C&T join US partners to develop 5 GW of modular reactors, expand uranium enrichment and build an 11 GW energy complex in Texas.
The US Department of Energy is creating an industrial consortium to accelerate domestic enriched uranium production and reduce reliance on foreign imports ahead of the Russian supply ban in 2027.
The kamikaze drone damaged an auxiliary transformer at the Kursk plant, halving the output of its only reactor in operation, according to Rosatom and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The four production units at the Gravelines nuclear power plant, shut down in mid-August by a massive jellyfish incursion, are back online, restoring the site’s full capacity.
enCore Energy Corp. has completed a $115 million fundraising through convertible notes maturing in 2030, strengthening its financial capacity for upcoming operations.
Vattenfall advances its nuclear project in Sweden by selecting two modular reactor suppliers, GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce SMR, for a potential installation on the Värö Peninsula.
NANO Nuclear Energy has been selected to compete in the final round of xTechSearch 9, a US Army initiative aimed at identifying high-potential dual-use technology solutions.
Aalo Atomics completes Series B funding, bringing its total to USD 136 million, to build its first modular nuclear power plant dedicated to data centers.
The Malaysian government initiates a national assessment on nuclear energy feasibility, targeting regions facing energy supply constraints and integrating international regulatory requirements.
The merger between Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels reaches a key milestone following final approval of the arrangement plan by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
TVA, Google, and Kairos Power formalize an agreement to connect an advanced reactor to the grid, supporting data center energy growth and reinforcing the U.S. nuclear industry.
The U.S. Department of Defense has signed an agreement with X-energy to develop a commercial nuclear microreactor intended to power sensitive military infrastructure.
With cash reserves multiplied sevenfold in nine months, NANO Nuclear intensifies development of its KRONOS MMR and positions itself in the Canadian and U.S. modular nuclear markets.

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