Nuclear Power Construction Hits 40-Year High With 90 GW Underway

Public Lokpal
October 26, 2026

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Nuclear Power Construction Hits 40-Year High With 90 GW Underway

Singapore: Global nuclear reactor construction has reached its highest level in four decades, with approximately 90 gigawatts (GW) of capacity currently under construction worldwide. Driven by urgent decarbonization goals and heightened energy security concerns, nations are rapidly accelerating investment in firm, low-carbon baseload power.

Net-Zero Commitments  Governments are integrating large-scale nuclear capacity alongside renewables to meet strict emissions reduction targets and maintain grid stability.

Energy Security Geopolitical tensions and fossil fuel market volatility have highlighted the necessity of domestic, uninterruptible power generation.Surging Power Demand Rapid expansion in AI data centers, industrial electrification, and electric vehicles requires continuous, high-volume electricity.

The global surge is predominantly led by Asia and Eastern Europe. China leads global expansion, accounting for the largest share of new reactor builds. India and Russiacontinue expanding their active reactor pipelines.

SMR Development Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are increasingly being deployed alongside traditional large reactors to offer flexible, cost-effective capacity expansion.

This resurgence highlights nuclear power’s central role in the global transition toward secure, zero-emission energy systems.