• Renewables and nuclear could generate around half of global electricity by 2030, according to the IEA.

• Solar power and nuclear energy drive most of the projected growth.

• Africa accelerates solar deployment while nuclear interest rises despite funding gaps.

In its report Electricity 2026, published on February 6, 2026, the International Energy Agency said renewable energy and nuclear power could account for about half of global electricity production by 2030. The agency said accelerating solar photovoltaic deployment and steady growth in civilian nuclear power support this shift.

The IEA said renewable electricity generation nearly matched coal-fired power generation in 2025. The agency expects renewable output to increase by about 1,000 terawatt-hours per year through 2030. Solar photovoltaic power alone should contribute more than 600 terawatt-hours annually, with average growth of 8% per year.

At the same time, global nuclear power generation reached a record level in 2025. Reactor restarts in Japan, higher output in France and new capacity additions in Asia supported the increase.

This global momentum also appears in Africa, particularly in solar energy. According to the Africa Market Outlook for Solar PV 2026–2029 published by the Global Solar Council in early February, Africa installed 4,498 megawatts of solar capacity in 2025. The figure represents a 54% increase from 2024 and marks a historical record.

Under the report’s medium scenario, Africa could add 31.5 gigawatts of cumulative solar capacity by 2029. The scenario assumes a compound annual growth rate of 21%.

On nuclear power, the Outlook for Nuclear Energy in Africa published in 2025 by the International Atomic Energy Agency highlighted growing interest across the continent. South Africa remains Africa’s only nuclear power producer through the approximately 2-gigawatt Koeberg plant. Authorities extended the operating life of its two units by 20 years in 2024 and 2025.

Egypt continues construction of the 4.8-gigawatt El Dabaa nuclear power plant. Several other African countries have also expressed interest in nuclear energy projects, including small modular reactors.

Under an optimistic scenario, the IAEA forecasts a tenfold increase in Africa’s installed nuclear capacity by 2050. However, available financing levels remain below what is required to support this trajectory, even as electricity demand continues to rise sharply across the continent.

This article was initially published in French by Abdoullah Diop

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM