Nuclear power capacity could more than triple by 2060, says IAEA chief
Why in the news
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said world nuclear power capacity could more than triple by 2060. He made the remarks while presenting the IAEA’s annual report to the UN General Assembly, as reported on 24 October 2026.
Key facts
- Drivers: electrification, AI-powered data centres and technology companies seeking steady, carbon-free power.
- He stressed nuclear energy’s growing role in energy security.
- He flagged concerns over the nuclear programmes of Iran and North Korea and safety risks from the war in Ukraine.
- He said technical groundwork for a diplomatic deal with Iran had been completed.
IAEA projections
The figures below come from the IAEA report ‘Energy, Electricity and Nuclear Power Estimates for the Period up to 2060’, released at its 70th General Conference in September 2026.
| Scenario | Capacity |
|---|---|
| End-2025 (413 operating reactors) | 377.1 GW(e) |
| 2060 low case | 696 GW(e) |
| 2060 high case | 1,284 GW(e) |
About the IAEA
The IAEA is the United Nations nuclear agency and reports every year to the UN General Assembly. Rafael Grossi heads it as Director General.
Exam angle
- Head of IAEA: Rafael Grossi.
- Target year in the projection: 2060 (more than triple, high case).
- AI-driven data centres are a new source of electricity demand.