PARIS, Jan 16, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Nuclear-powered electricity generation is set to hit a record level in 2025, accounting for nearly 10 percent of global production, the International Energy Agency forecast on Thursday.

The leading energy monitor said in a report that 70 gigawatts of new generating capacity were under construction worldwide -- one of the highest levels in 30 years.

It forecast that electricity produced by nuclear power in 2025 would reach 2.900 terawatt hours.

The IEA's executive director Fatih Birol told AFP it was a "new era for nuclear energy" with the highest nuclear-powered electricity production in history.

He said the rise was driven by demand to power technologies such as artificial intelligence and data centres.

Growth was led by China and flagged in the United States and France due to the high cost of plants.

Birol said nuclear power could help the world transition to non-carbon energy sources to curb climate change.