World: Over 12 GW of new nuclear capacities launched by 2025 (IEA)

The global energy transition continues in 2025 with the launch of over 12 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity under construction, according to the new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), released on April 20, 2026.

This movement reflects a renewed interest in nuclear power, seen as a controllable and low-carbon energy source in a context of increased energy security.

At the same time, renewable energies are confirming their rise in power. Installed capacities have reached a record level, with nearly 800 GW added in a single year. Solar photovoltaic power dominates this trend, representing about 75% of new installations, followed by wind power. Battery storage, expanding rapidly, is emerging as a strategic complement to stabilize electricity grids.

An increasingly decarbonized energy growth

The year 2025 is marked by a significant evolution in electricity production. Renewables and nuclear power together added about 600 terawatt hours (TWh) of additional capacity, the largest increase ever recorded. This progress has helped cover the majority of the global electricity demand growth, thereby reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

In this context, global coal demand increased marginally by around 0.4%, reflecting a slowdown in its dynamics. However, this stability masks regional disparities related to climatic conditions and fluctuations in natural gas prices.

Modest increase in CO2 emissions

On the climate front, global carbon dioxide emissions related to energy increased modestly by around 0.4%. This trend highlights a delicate balance between economic growth, energy demand, and decarbonization efforts.

In some major economies, shifts are noticeable. China saw a stabilization in its coal demand, supported by the rise of renewables. In India, emissions remained mostly stable, a first in several decades, particularly due to favorable climatic conditions for hydropower. Conversely, some advanced economies experienced a slight increase in emissions, linked to sustained energy demand.

Clean technologies and measurable impact

Since 2019, the deployment of low-carbon technologies such as solar, wind, nuclear, and electric vehicles has helped avoid a significant portion of fossil energy consumption.

Estimates suggest an equivalent reduction of 35 exajoules in energy demand, approximately 7% of global annual consumption.

These technologies have also contributed to avoiding billions of tons of CO2 emissions each year, emphasizing their growing role in the global climate trajectory.

According to the IEA, this trend confirms an ongoing energy transition, although still incomplete.

The agency highlights that the rise of renewable energies is the main driver of decarbonization, while emphasizing the stabilizing role of controllable capacities such as nuclear power.

Meanwhile, the World Bank emphasizes the importance of investments in energy infrastructure, stating that the transition will require massive funding, especially in developing countries where energy demand continues to grow rapidly.

Several international think tanks, including the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago and the Brookings Institution, underscore a dual dynamic.

Energy systems are gradually decarbonizing through innovation, but global demand continues to rise, maintaining a dependence on fossil fuels in several regions.

In Africa, think tanks like the African Center for Economic Transformation stress that this energy transition presents strategic opportunities.

Africa, rich in natural resources and renewable potential, can position itself as a key player in the transition, provided it invests in local infrastructure and skills.

In this context, the resurgence of nuclear power in energy strategies aligns with a broader logic of energy sovereignty and security. Amid geopolitical shifts, several states are reassessing their energy mix to reduce exposure to external shocks.

The growing interest in nuclear technologies, including in academic and industrial circles, reflects an evolution in strategic priorities. While not directly related to the military domain, this trend is part of a global environment where advanced technological capabilities become factors of economic power and decision-making autonomy.

From an economic standpoint, this trend raises a central question: the trade-off between investments, energy security, and climate objectives.

The energy transition emerges as a structuring lever of competitiveness in the global economy.

Flory MUSISWA