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

The cost of solar power generation has fallen so dramatically that it now exceeds nuclear power's global output for the first time.

For the first time in 2025, global solar power generation surpassed nuclear power output, according to the World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR) 2026. The report, overseen by nuclear energy consultant Mycle Schneider, indicates that wind power also outpaced nuclear generation on a monthly basis starting in March 2025. Between March 2025 and June 2026, solar or wind individually generated more electricity than nuclear each month, with both technologies independently surpassing nuclear in April and May 2026. This development highlights the rapid expansion of renewables, with global solar capacity increasing by 27% year-on-year to 2,383 GW and wind adding 14% to reach 1,291 GW. In contrast, installed nuclear capacity saw a marginal increase of 1.5 GW to 399.5 GW, while operating capacity slightly declined. The report also notes the struggles of U.S. nuclear companies, with Holtec delaying an IPO and Fermi's stock value significantly decreasing, attributed to a lack of tangible progress to attract investors.

The WNISR 2026 report underscores the accelerating divergence between the growth trajectories of renewable energy sources and nuclear power. While solar and wind capacities are expanding exponentially, fueled by falling battery costs and policy support, nuclear power's progress is characterized by stagnation and long, often delayed, construction timelines. This shift signals a potential recalibration of global energy investment priorities, favoring technologies with faster deployment and clearer economic advantages in the immediate term. The market's response to companies like Holtec and Fermi, as noted by Schneider, further indicates investor confidence is leaning towards renewables.

The data suggests a definitive trend: nuclear power's share in global electricity generation has fallen to its lowest point in decades, while renewables are increasingly dominating new capacity additions. The report's conservative estimates for PV additions imply the gap is even wider than stated, raising questions about the future viability of nuclear power as a primary energy source for many nations. The slow progress and uncertain commercialization of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) also indicate that, despite ongoing government support, they are unlikely to significantly alter this landscape in the near to medium term.