The World Nuclear Association's World Nuclear Outlook Report 2025 concluded that tripling global nuclear capacity by 2050 is possible if governments follow through on their stated buildout plans and extend the operating lives of existing reactors. Current government targets, combined with planned and proposed projects, could deliver 1,428 gigawatts-electric of new nuclear capacity by midcentury, surpassing the 1,200 GWe target set in the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy. However, achieving this scale will require faster construction, regulatory reform, expanded supply chains and significant investment in advanced technologies and the nuclear fuel cycle, the WNA says.  

Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Meta Platforms are facing a significant challenge in balancing the energy demands of artificial intelligence and their commitments to sustainability. The release of ChatGPT has led to a surge in energy consumption, with Microsoft reporting a 23% increase in carbon emissions, while Meta's emissions are up 64%. Nuclear energy is moving up the list of preferred power sources, with Google already signing an agreement to source electricity from an Iowa nuclear plant that NextEra plans to reopen in 2029.

The Tennessee Valley Authority plans significant investments in nuclear and gas generation after reporting a $1.4 billion increase in operating revenue for fiscal 2025. TVA is constructing 3.7 gigawatts of new generation, including 1.4 gigawatts of natural gas at both the Cumberland and Kingston fossil plants, and is planning up to four small modular reactors at the Clinch River Nuclear Site.

The Czech Republic is moving forward with a $19 billion project to build two new 1-gigawatt-plus reactors at its Dukovany nuclear power plant by 2040 as it seeks to increase nuclear's share of its energy mix to at least 50%-60% around 2050 to reduce fossil fuel dependence. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power will serve as the main contractor, and the agreement includes an option for two additional units at the Temelín nuclear plant and future small modular reactor deployment.

The US has agreed to support South Korea's pursuit of domestic uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for civilian purposes, according to a joint summit fact sheet released after meetings between President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. South Korea currently faces strict limits under the bilateral 123 agreement, which bars most enrichment and reprocessing without US consent and limits enrichment levels at 20%. Implementing the new understanding will require extensive talks that could take years to complete.

Utilities and engineering, procurement, and construction firms in the US are moving from traditional fixed-price contracts to integrated, risk-transparent partnerships because of supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages. Utilities such as American Electric Power and Entergy are engaging EPCs earlier in project development to better manage risk and align with real demand, while digital tools and real-time data are becoming crucial for optimizing project delivery and performance.

Democrats plan to focus on rising electricity prices as a key issue in the 2026 elections, aiming to replicate their 2025 successes. Candidates in states such as New Jersey and Georgia have already highlighted this issue, with New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill and Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger making it central to their campaigns. Electricity prices have risen more than 5% in the past year, outpacing general inflation.

Researchers are exploring americium-241 as a next-generation fuel for long-duration space missions, potentially replacing scarce plutonium-238 in radioisotope power systems. Although americium produces less heat and requires larger, heavier units, it is abundant in nuclear waste and offers extraordinary longevity, making it ideal for probes designed to operate for centuries.

A study by LucidCatalyst, commissioned by Urenco, finds that the small modular reactor market could support decarbonization across 11 industrial sectors in North America and Europe, with a potential market of 700 gigawatts by 2050. The study highlights the need for manufacturing innovation and policy support to realize this potential, with data centers, chemicals and coal repowering driving near-term demand.