News: The World Nuclear Association released the World Nuclear Outlook Report highlighting the possibility of global nuclear power capacity reaching 1,446 GWe by 2050.
About World Nuclear Outlook Report 2025-26
- It assesses future global nuclear power capacity based on existing reactors, planned projects, and government targets.
- Published by: It is published by World Nuclear Association.
- Key Highlights
- Global Capacity Projection: Global nuclear capacity could reach 1,446 GWe by 2050, exceeding the 1,200 GWe target established under the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy. This declaration was announced at the COP28 meeting in Dubai in 2023.
- Role of 5 Major Countries: China, France, India, Russia, and the United States together may account for nearly 980 GWe by 2050.
- Reactor Lifetime Extension: Extending reactor lifetimes to 60–80 years is highlighted as a cost-effective low-carbon electricity option.
- Construction Challenges: Annual grid connections must rise to 65.3 GWe per year during 2046–2050, nearly double the historic peak.
- India-Specific Outlook
- India is among the five leading countries anchoring global nuclear capacity by 2050.
- The report expects continued expansion of India’s nuclear fleet.
- South Asia’s outlook reflects ongoing nuclear build-out in countries with existing programmes, including India.
- Recommendations of the Report
- Governments should integrate nuclear power firmly into long-term decarbonisation and energy security plans.
- Support is needed for reactor lifetime extensions and faster licensing and financing frameworks.
- Financial institutions are urged to adopt technology-neutral lending and ESG approaches.
- Industry should expand manufacturing capacity and prepare for large-scale deployment after 2035.
