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Global small modular reactor pipeline surges 42%
- July/August 1, 2025: Vol. 12, Number 7

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Global small modular reactor pipeline surges 42%

by Mike Consol

As energy demand grows, particularly driven by data centers and AI applications, the small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear pipeline surged 42 percent from the previous quarter to reach 47 gigawatts in first quarter 2025, according to a new report from Wood Mackenzie.

According to the firm’s report, titled SMR nuclear market update: Q1 2025, the pipeline, which includes all announced projects, expanded by 14 gigawatts quarter-over-quarter. Data centers have expanded to a 39 percent share of the pipeline, but the largest end-use segment continues to be power generation at a 51 percent share.

In total, the current pipeline of 47 gigawatts would require an investment of around $360 billion.

"The surge in data center demand has propelled nuclear SMRs to a major player in the future energy mix," says David Brown, director of energy transition research at Wood Mackenzie. “Nuclear SMRs remain a top priority for the Trump administration, and with policy tailwi

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