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.

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Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.
Confidential reports from the IAEA and multiple intelligence agencies confirm Iran's uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels, contradicting Tehran's official statements. EnergyNews.pro retraces the evolution of Iran's nuclear program since 2015, three years before the Trump administration's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement.