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 energy dominates this trend, representing about 75% of new installations, followed by wind power. Battery storage, experiencing strong growth, is emerging as a strategic complement to stabilize electricity grids.
An increasingly decarbonized energy growth
The year 2025 stands out for a significant evolution in electricity production. Renewables and nuclear power combined provided about 600 terawatt-hours (TWh) of additional power, the highest increase ever recorded. This progress helped cover most of the global electricity demand growth, thus limiting the use of fossil fuels.
In this context, global coal demand only marginally increased by about 0.4%, indicating a slowdown in its dynamics. However, regional disparities exist, linked to climate conditions and natural gas price fluctuations.
Rising CO2 emissions moderately
On a climate level, global carbon dioxide emissions related to energy saw a moderate increase of around 0.4%. This trend reflects a delicate balance between economic growth, energy demand, and decarbonization efforts.
In some major economies, changes are observed. China stabilized its coal demand, supported by the rise of renewables. In India, emissions remained relatively stable, a first in decades, notably due to favorable climate conditions for hydroelectricity. Conversely, some advanced economies experienced a slight increase in emissions due 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 helped avoid a significant portion of fossil energy consumption.
Estimates suggest an equivalent reduction of 35 exajoules of energy demand, approximately 7% of global annual consumption.
These technologies also contributed to avoiding several billion tons of CO2 emissions each year, emphasizing their growing role in the global climate trajectory.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), this evolution confirms an ongoing energy transition, albeit incomplete.
The institution highlights that the rise of renewable energies is the main driver of decarbonization, while also emphasizing the stabilizing role of controllable capacities like nuclear power.
The World Bank, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of investments in energy infrastructure, stating that the transition will require massive financing, particularly 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, stress 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 underline that this energy transition presents strategic opportunities.
With rich natural resources and renewable potential, Africa can position itself as a key player in the transition, provided it invests in local infrastructure and skills.
In this context, the return of nuclear power in energy strategies aligns with a broader logic of sovereignty and energy security. Amid geopolitical rearrangements, several states are reassessing their energy mix to reduce exposure to external shocks.
The growing interest in nuclear technologies, both in academic and industrial circles, reflects a shift in strategic priorities. While not directly related to the military domain, this trend occurs in a global environment where advanced technological capabilities become factors of economic power and decision-making autonomy.
From an economic perspective, this trend raises a central question: the trade-off between investments, energy security, and climate goals.
Thus, the energy transition emerges as a structuring lever of competitiveness in the global economy.
Flory MUSISWA
