Skip to main content
  1. Market Insights
  2. Industrial
  3. Energy

Nuclear Power - Worldwide

Worldwide
  • Electricity generation in the Nuclear Power market worldwide is projected to reach 2.76tn kWh in 2025.
  • An annual growth rate of 1.56% is anticipated during the period from 2025 to 2029 (CAGR 2025-2029).
  • As countries worldwide increasingly prioritize energy security and sustainability, nuclear power is gaining renewed interest as a viable low-carbon energy source.

The nuclear energy market is a subset of the energy industry that involves the generation of electricity from nuclear reactions. Nuclear power plants use uranium or plutonium as fuel to produce heat, which is then used to generate electricity. The market has faced several challenges, including concerns over safety, waste disposal, and proliferation of nuclear weapons. However, some countries continue to rely on nuclear power as a significant source of electricity, particularly in regions with limited access to other sources of energy.

The market is dominated by a small number of large companies, with significant investment required for the construction and operation of nuclear power plants. The market is also subject to significant government regulations, oversight, and international treaties governing the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

In-Scope
  • Operational nuclear plants and reactors
Out-Of-Scope
  • Scientific and experimental nuclear and thermonuclear reactors
Energy: market data & analysis - Cover

Market Insights report

Energy: market data & analysis
Study Details

    Production

    Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

    Most recent update: Feb 2025

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Analyst Opinion

    The Nuclear Power market is witnessing mild growth globally, influenced by factors such as stringent regulations, public concerns over safety, competition from renewable energy sources, and high costs associated with plant construction and decommissioning.

    Customer preferences:
    Consumers are demonstrating a growing preference for clean and sustainable energy sources, driving interest in nuclear power as a low-carbon alternative amidst climate change concerns. However, this enthusiasm is tempered by cultural apprehensions surrounding nuclear safety, particularly in regions with historical incidents. Demographic shifts, such as increasing awareness among younger generations about climate issues, are prompting calls for innovation in nuclear technology, including small modular reactors, to align with evolving lifestyle factors that prioritize environmental sustainability.

    Trends in the market:
    Globally, the nuclear power market is experiencing a resurgence as nations seek low-carbon energy solutions to combat climate change. In North America, there is an increasing investment in advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), which promise enhanced safety and efficiency. In Europe, countries are revisiting nuclear policies, with several governments planning to extend the operational life of existing plants. Meanwhile, in Asia, nations like China and India are rapidly expanding their nuclear capabilities to meet rising energy demands while adhering to sustainability goals. These trends underscore the growing recognition of nuclear power's role in achieving energy transition objectives, presenting significant opportunities for industry stakeholders to innovate and collaborate on safety, technology, and public perception.

    Local special circumstances:
    In Japan, the nuclear power market is shaped by a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and regulatory factors following the Fukushima disaster. The public's cautious attitude toward nuclear energy has prompted the government to implement stringent safety regulations and transparency measures. Conversely, the demand for energy security and decarbonization commitments has led to a gradual reassessment of nuclear power's role. In France, the market benefits from a strong pro-nuclear culture and a government strategy emphasizing nuclear energy as a cornerstone of its energy policy, driving investments in reactor upgrades and waste management solutions.

    Underlying macroeconomic factors:
    The Nuclear Power Market is significantly influenced by macroeconomic factors such as energy demand fluctuations, regulatory landscapes, and national economic health. Countries with stable economies and strong government support for nuclear initiatives see greater investment and innovation in reactor technologies and safety measures. Global trends towards decarbonization and energy security are prompting nations to reassess their nuclear strategies, balancing public sentiment and environmental commitments. Fiscal policies that prioritize clean energy investments also play a crucial role, as they shape funding availability for nuclear projects and infrastructure development, ultimately impacting the market's growth trajectory.

    Global Comparison

    Most recent update: Feb 2025

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Methodology

    Data coverage:

    The data encompasses B2B enterprises. Figures are based on the value of electricity production in the energy market.

    Modeling approach:

    Market sizes are determined through a bottom-up approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as annual reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, national statistical offices, international institutions, and the experience of our analysts.

    Forecasts:

    In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing are well suited for forecasting electricity generation due to the non-linear growth of this market, especially because of the direct impact of climate change on the market.

    Additional notes:

    The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.

    Industrial

    Access more Market Insights on Industrial topics with our featured report

    Energy: market data & analysis - BackgroundEnergy: market data & analysis - Cover

    Key Market Indicators

    Notes: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

    Most recent update: Jan 2025

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Explore more high-quality data on related topic

    Nuclear energy phase-out in Germany - statistics & facts

    Germany was to phase-out nuclear power by the end of 2022, after a widespread debate that lasted around 40 years. Accordingly, over 15 of Germany’s nuclear power units have been switched-off and decommissioned in the last 20 years. The remaining three nuclear power plants in the country – Emsland, Isar 2, and Neckarwestheim 2 reactors – were shut down on Saturday, April 15, 2023, after a three-month delay due to the energy crisis that greatly impacted Germany in 2022. Although the contribution of nuclear power to Germany’s energy mix in 2022 was as small as six percent– down from almost 30 percent in the 2000s–, it was not without criticism that the country exited nuclear energy. Among the main concerns of the national and international opponents to this action were its environmental impact and the implications for the future of Germany’s power supply.
    More data on the topic

    Contact

    Get in touch with us. We are happy to help.
    Meredith Alda
    Sales Manager

    Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

    Lodovica Biagi
    Director of Operations

    Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

    Ayana Mizuno
    Junior Business Development Manager

    Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

    Carolina Dulin
    Group Director - LATAM

    Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

    Yolanda Mega
    Operations Manager

    Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)