New Delhi, Oct. 19 -- An ageing global nuclear reactor fleet could pose challenges to future capacity expansion, as countries may need to invest in extending the operational lives of existing plants while simultaneously building new reactors, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Nuclear Technology Review 2026.

The report highlights the growing importance of reactor maintenance, refurbishment and life-extension programmes as countries seek to expand nuclear power generation to meet rising electricity demand and strengthen energy security.

"About 67% of global nuclear power capacity (293 reactors, 263.9 GW(e)) has operated for over 30 years, and 41% (190 reactors, 135.5 GW(e)) for more than 40 years," the IAEA stat...