The International Atomic Energy Agency, meeting today in Vienna at its 70th General Conference, again increased its annual projection for nuclear-powered electrical generation over the next generation. Presently, the 413 nuclear power reactors operating worldwide amount to 377.1 gigawatts-electric generating capacity. Their 46th annual report, Energy, Electricity and Nuclear Power Estimates, has that rising to 696 reactors with 1,284 GW(e) capacity over the next 35 years—1.85 and 3.4 times as much, respectively.

The IAEA’s estimate has been revised upwards every year for the last six years. “The IAEA projections show the increasing role of nuclear power in meeting the world’s growing electricity needs. To realize this potential, investment in new nuclear capacity and reactor lifetime extensions will be essential,” said Director General Rafael Grossi.