What Happened to Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear energy is experiencing a significant global resurgence in the mid-2020s, driven by increasing electricity demand, energy security concerns, and climate change mitigation goals. This renewed interest is evident in the rapid expansion of traditional large-scale reactors, particularly in Asia, and accelerated development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Western nations. Concurrently, nuclear fusion research, notably the ITER project and private ventures, continues to make steady progress towards a future clean energy source.
Quick Answer
Nuclear energy is undergoing a global renaissance as of mid-2026, with many countries, led by China, significantly expanding their nuclear power capacity to meet rising energy demands and climate targets. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a key driver of this resurgence, offering more flexible and potentially faster deployment than traditional large reactors, with major projects advancing in the US and Europe. Alongside fission, nuclear fusion research, exemplified by the ITER project, is also reporting consistent progress, aiming for first plasma by 2034.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
COP28 Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy Capacity
At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), over 20 countries, including the US, UK, France, and South Korea, pledged to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050.
South Korea's KSTAR Fusion Reactor Achieves Record Plasma Duration
South Korea's KSTAR (Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research) fusion device sustained an ion temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius for a record 48 seconds, aiming for 300 seconds by the end of 2026.
Veolia Nuclear Solutions Acquires Daher Nuclear Technologies
Veolia Nuclear Solutions Inc., a UK-based company, acquired Germany's Daher Nuclear Technologies to strengthen its position in nuclear waste management and expand its portfolio in decommissioning and waste treatment.
NEI Report Highlights 2024 as Pivotal Year for Nuclear Energy
The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) released a report stating that 2024 was a pivotal year for the global nuclear energy industry, with increased projects and commitments driven by energy demand, security, and clean energy goals.
US DOE Reissues $900 Million SMR Solicitation
The U.S. Department of Energy reissued a $900 million Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor (SMR) solicitation to accelerate the deployment of SMRs and grow the supply of affordable American energy.
IAEA Reports 416 Nuclear Reactors in Operation Globally
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported 416 nuclear reactors in operation worldwide with a total capacity of 376.3 GW(e), indicating a steady global nuclear fleet.
Switzerland Rejoins ITER Fusion Project
Switzerland officially rejoined the ITER project, renewing its participation in the international effort to build the world's largest magnetic fusion device.
China's EAST Reactor Achieves Plasma Stability Breakthrough
China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), dubbed the 'artificial sun,' broke a long-standing threshold by maintaining plasma stability at extreme densities, a key step for scalable fusion energy.
ITER Project Declared 'On Budget And On Schedule'
The head of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project announced that the massive nuclear fusion project in France is now on budget and on schedule after previous delays, with machine assembly in a key phase.
UK Government Announces Nuclear Regulation Bill
The King's Speech 2026 confirmed the UK government's plan to introduce a Nuclear Regulation Bill to modernize the planning, regulation, and delivery of nuclear projects, aiming for a 'new era of British nuclear energy generation.'
Valor Atomics Test Reactor Goes Critical in Utah
Valor Atomics, a nuclear startup, saw its test reactor go critical in Utah, demonstrating progress in advanced reactor development and powering Nvidia chips.
China Approves Eight New Nuclear Reactors
China's State Council approved eight new nuclear reactors across four provinces, with projects reportedly worth over $25 billion, accelerating its atomic buildout to meet surging energy demand and carbon reduction goals.
ITER Installs Sixth Vacuum Vessel Sector Module
ITER assembly teams successfully installed the sixth vacuum vessel sector module in the tokamak pit, marking two-thirds completion of the chamber's assembly, ahead of schedule.
NuScale Power Reports Q2 2026 Results, Advances TVA Deal
NuScale Power announced its Q2 2026 results, highlighting continued progress with ENTRA1 Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) towards a definitive power purchase agreement for a potentially 6-8 GW SMR deployment, the largest in US history.
Savannah River National Lab Wins Award for Nuclear Waste Innovation
The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) won a 2026 R&D 100 Award for developing innovative ceramic-metal composite materials for nuclear waste disposal, improving long-term management solutions.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Following a period of stagnation and decline in some regions after the Fukushima disaster in 2011, nuclear energy has entered a new era of growth and strategic importance by the mid-2020s. The primary catalysts for this resurgence include the urgent need for stable, low-carbon baseload power to combat climate change, heightened concerns over energy security amidst geopolitical shifts, and the surging electricity demand from industrial electrification and artificial intelligence data centers. Governments and corporations are increasingly viewing nuclear power as a strategic necessity rather than a legacy commitment.
Traditional large-scale nuclear reactor construction is accelerating, with China leading the charge. In July 2026, China approved eight new nuclear reactors, representing an investment of over $25 billion, and aims to reach 110 gigawatts of installed nuclear capacity by 2030, a 76% increase from late 2025. Other nations like India, Russia, Turkey, and Egypt also have significant large reactor projects underway. In advanced economies, France is seeing a recovery in its nuclear sector, and the UK is pushing forward with major projects like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, alongside a new Nuclear Regulation Bill in May 2026 to streamline development. Several European countries, including Spain, Scotland, and Belgium, are reconsidering previous nuclear phase-out policies.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a key turning point in nuclear energy's renewed appeal. These advanced fission reactors, typically under 300 MWe, are designed for factory fabrication and modular deployment, promising reduced capital risk and shorter construction times (12-24 months compared to 8-12 years for large plants). NuScale Power, the only SMR developer with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission design certification, is at the forefront, with its exclusive partner ENTRA1 Energy advancing discussions with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for a potential 6-8 gigawatt deployment, which could be the largest nuclear power program in U.S. history. The U.S. Department of Energy reissued a $900 million SMR solicitation in March 2025 to support deployment. Other SMR designs from companies like GE Hitachi, Rolls-Royce, and Westinghouse are also progressing, with operational pilots already in Russia and China.
Beyond fission, nuclear fusion energy research continues its long-term quest for a virtually inexhaustible, emission-free power source. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in France, a massive international collaboration, reported in May 2026 that it is now "on budget and on schedule" after previous delays, with machine assembly progressing steadily. The sixth vacuum vessel sector module was successfully installed in July 2026, marking two-thirds completion of the tokamak core. ITER is targeting first plasma by 2034 and full-scale deuterium-tritium operations by 2039. Private investment in fusion has surged, with around 68 private fusion companies operating globally and total investment reaching $14.2 billion by July 2026. China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) reactor achieved plasma stability at extreme densities in February 2026, and South Korea's KSTAR sustained an ion temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius for a record 48 seconds in early 2024, aiming for 300 seconds by the end of 2026.
Challenges, particularly regarding nuclear waste management and public perception, persist but are being addressed with innovative solutions. The global nuclear waste management market was valued at $21.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $29.7 billion by 2032. Finland's Onkalo repository, the world's first geological disposal facility for spent nuclear fuel, is planned to begin operations in 2026. Research into advanced containment methods and recycling processes is ongoing, with the Savannah River National Laboratory winning a 2026 R&D 100 Award for innovative ceramic-metal composite materials for waste disposal. As of August 2026, nuclear energy is firmly re-established as a critical component of the global energy transition, with significant expansion and technological advancements expected in the coming decades.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Nuclear Energy made different choices?