Nuclear Power Could More Than Triple by 2060: IAEA

IAEA Forecasts Major Growth in Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power could more than triple by 2060 as countries look for reliable electricity supplies and lower-carbon energy sources, according to International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi. Speaking during the presentation of the agency’s annual report to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, October 23, 2026, Grossi highlighted the growing role of nuclear energy in meeting future global electricity demand.

 Artificial Intelligence and Data Centres Drive Demand

Grossi identified electrification, artificial intelligence-powered data centres and technology companies’ demand for reliable, carbon-free electricity as important factors behind the expected growth. As digital services and AI applications expand, data centres require substantial and consistent power supplies. Nuclear energy is attracting attention because it can generate electricity continuously, although future growth will depend on investment, policy decisions and the development of new capacity.

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 More Than 400 Reactors Operate Worldwide

According to Grossi’s report, more than 400 operating nuclear reactors across over 30 countries produced approximately 10 percent of global electricity in 2025. Nuclear power also accounted for around one-quarter of the world’s low-carbon electricity. More than 60 new reactors were under construction, while projections for future nuclear capacity had increased significantly, reflecting renewed interest in the technology.. Countries Focus on Energy Security and Low-Carbon Power

Grossi said a growing number of countries view nuclear energy as an important part of their energy security strategies. Nuclear power can provide a steady source of electricity with low operational carbon emissions. However, the technology also requires strong safety regulation, effective waste management, secure facilities and long-term investment. Its contribution to future energy systems will vary according to national circumstances and policy choices.

IAEA Calls for Diplomatic Progress on Iran

Grossi also addressed Iran’s nuclear programme, saying the technical work needed for a diplomatic agreement had been completed. He urged the parties involved to make renewed efforts toward a negotiated solution that includes the IAEA’s verification role. He also called for agency inspectors to return to Iran as soon as possible. Verification, he said, would be essential to making any agreement sustainable. These remarks came amid continuing international concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities.

 North Korea and Ukraine Raise Nuclear Safety Concerns

The IAEA chief warned about North Korea’s expanding nuclear programme, which operates without IAEA oversight. He said the situation demonstrated the risks associated with violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Grossi also highlighted concerns about Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, describing its position as precarious because of repeated power losses, limited backup diesel supplies and nearby military activity. These conditions pose continuing risks to nuclear safety and the plant’s workers.

IAEA Reports Progress on Syria’s Nuclear Questions

Grossi said the agency had made significant progress in clarifying outstanding questions about Syria’s past nuclear activities following engagement with the government of interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. The issue had remained unresolved for nearly two decades. He also referred to findings reported in September concerning construction during the Bashar Assad era of a nuclear reactor that, according to the IAEA assessment cited in the report, was configured to produce fissile material that could potentially be used in nuclear weapons. The agency’s work on verification and clarification remains important to international nuclear oversight.