Published on: 2026-09-14
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 14, 2026 Peace and Security
Attacks on nuclear facilities are becoming more frequent. Factors contributing to the proliferation of nuclear weapons are intensifying, while deterrent mechanisms are weakening. This was stated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his address to the participants of the 70th anniversary session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The UN chief added that the world is on the brink of a revolution in nuclear energy, which requires effective governance and monitoring. The Secretary-General emphasized that the IAEA, as the “guardian of the safeguards system,” strengthens overall security in the nuclear field.
He noted the important role the agency plays in Syria, and also called for cooperation with the IAEA in verifying the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and supporting the organization’s role in “preventing a disaster at the Zaporizhzhia NPP.”
“Member States must fully comply with their obligations under international law and intensify efforts to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons proliferation,” the Secretary-General’s statement said, read out on his behalf by Monica Juma, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna.
“I am counting on strengthening the valuable cooperation between the IAEA and the United Nations, as well as on nuclear technologies contributing to development and the strengthening of peace,” Guterres emphasized.
Global nuclear power capacity will triple by 2060
During the 70th session of the General Conference, the head of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, presented new forecasts for the expansion of nuclear energy. According to the agency’s data, global capacity could more than triple by 2060, as countries increasingly use nuclear power to meet growing electricity demand and ensure energy security.
At the same time, small modular reactors could become an important source of clean energy amid the growing need to replace reactors being decommissioned.
By the end of 2025, there were 413 nuclear power reactors worldwide, providing 377.1 gigawatts of electric capacity. In the optimistic scenario, the capacity will reach 1045 GW(e) by 2050 (compared to 992 GW(e) forecast last year) and then increase to 1284 GW(e) by 2060—approximately 3.4 times the 2025 level.
“The IAEA forecasts show the growing role of nuclear energy in meeting the world’s electricity needs. Investments in new nuclear capacities and extending the operating life of reactors will be key to realizing this potential,” Grossi said.
According to the forecast, the largest share of new nuclear capacity in the world will be accounted for by Central and East Asia. In this region, capacity could grow from 114 GW(e) in 2025 to 407 GW(e) by 2060 under an optimistic scenario.
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