IAEA expects global nuclear capacity to reach 385 to 632 GW in 2030

According to the latest forecast made by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), nuclear power's global expansion is expected to continue in the next decades, though at a slower pace, owing to low fossil fuel price competition, sluggish economy and the legacy of the Fukushima disaster in 2011. Nuclear power should continue to benefit from the volatility of fossil fuel prices, greenhouse gas emissions reduction policies, energy supply security matters, population growth and rising electricity demand in the developing countries.

Global nuclear capacity could rise from the current 376 GW level (2014) to 380 GW (low scenario) - 441 GW (high scenario) in 2020 and to 385 - 632 GW in 2030.

-The United Arab Emirates and India should push the growth of nuclear power capacity in the Middle East and South Asia region, where the installed capacity would rise from the current 6.9 GW to 26 - 44 GW (low and high scenarios).

-In Eastern Europe (including Russia), capacities should also develop rapidly: nine reactors are under construction in Russia and Belarus is building its first reactors; consequently, installed capacity in this region should rise from the current 50 GW to 64 - 93 GW by 2030.

-In Far East Asia, China and South Korea will contribute to the rapid growth in capacities (they are building 24 and 4 reactors, respectively), which should reach 132 - 219 GW by 2030, from the current 87 GW.

-Nuclear capacities should decline in Western Europe due to the German phase out, decreasing from 114 GW to 63 - 112 GW by 2030.

-In North America, where 112 GW are currently installed, the low scenario estimates a drop in capacity to 92 GW by 2030, while the high scenario forecasts an increase to 140 GW.