Nearly 1,000 small nuclear reactors could exist by 2060, output to top 1,284 GWe: IAEA

The IAEA has raised its long-term nuclear power forecast for the sixth consecutive year. In an optimistic scenario, global nuclear capacity will grow to 1,284 GWe by 2060, with about 284 GWe from small modular reactors—roughly 950–1,100 units.

• At end of 2025, 413 reactors operated worldwide with 377.1 GWe total
• Optimistic 2050 forecast raised from 992 to 1,045 GWe
• SMRs to take 28% of new capacity—about 284 GWe by 2060
• In North America, up to 60% of new capacity will be SMRs