Solar surpasses nuclear power globally for first time – pv magazine Global

The World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR) 2026 reveals that solar power has surpassed nuclear generation globally for the first time, according to French nuclear energy consultant Mycle Schneider. In March and April 2025, solar generation alone exceeded nuclear output, and this trend continued through June 2026. From March to June of that year, either solar or wind produced more electricity than nuclear in every month.

During this period, solar capacity expanded by 27% year on year, reaching 2,383 GW, while wind capacity grew by 14%, reaching 1,291 GW. In contrast, nuclear capacity increased by only 1.5 GW to 399.5 GW, and operating nuclear capacity declined by 0.5 GW to 368.6 GW. The report indicates that nuclear capacity has remained stagnant for over 25 years, while solar and wind have experienced rapid growth.

Schneider expressed concern over the industry's performance, citing recent setbacks for U.S. nuclear companies Holtec and Fermi, which saw their stock values plunge shortly after IPOs. He noted that the main reason for these struggles is the lack of tangible evidence to entice investors. Solar power generation surged by a remarkable 30% in 2026, surpassing nuclear's annual electricity production for the first time.

Falling battery costs are seen as a potential catalyst for further PV expansion, as grid operators grapple with increasing volumes of variable renewable energy and periods of low or negative electricity prices. As of July 1, 2026, nuclear plants operated in 31 countries, with China and Russia accounting for most new activity. Global nuclear electricity generation was 2,703 TWh in 2025, growing by 1.1% year on year, largely driven by a 7.6% increase in China.

However, nuclear's share of global electricity generation dropped to 8.8%, its lowest level in four and a half decades, and about half of its 1996 peak.