Since the dawn of the atomic age, nuclear technology has transformed the world, extending its reach far beyond its initial military applications. From powering cities to advancing medical treatments and propelling deep-sea vessels, nuclear energy has become a cornerstone of modern society. But How Many Countries In The World are harnessing this powerful force, and what does the global landscape of nuclear power look like today?
Nuclear power, born from the scientific breakthroughs of the 1940s, first saw commercial application in the 1950s. Initially developed with wartime urgency, the focus soon shifted towards the peaceful potential of nuclear fission – the controlled splitting of atoms to generate energy. This transition marked the beginning of civil nuclear power, an industry that has since accumulated approximately 20,000 reactor-years of operational experience worldwide.
Today, nuclear power plants are operational in 31 countries, plus Taiwan, demonstrating a significant global footprint. Through interconnected regional grids, many more nations indirectly benefit from nuclear-generated electricity, particularly across Europe. This international dependency underscores the global nature of nuclear energy in the 21st century.
The nuclear industry itself is a model of international collaboration. Components for a single reactor under construction in Asia might originate from a diverse range of countries, including South Korea, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, and Russia. Similarly, the journey of uranium fuel, from mines in Australia or Namibia to a reactor in the UAE, can involve processing and fabrication stages across multiple nations like France, the Netherlands, the UK, and South Korea. This intricate global supply chain highlights the interconnectedness of the nuclear world.
Beyond electricity generation, nuclear technology offers a wide array of applications. It plays a vital role in healthcare, from sterilizing medical equipment to powering diagnostic and treatment procedures. Nuclear isotopes are essential in various industries, and nuclear reactors drive ambitious space exploration missions. These diverse uses position nuclear technologies as central to global efforts towards sustainable development, contributing to a cleaner and more advanced future.
Key Global Nuclear Power Statistics
In 2023, nuclear power plants globally produced 2602 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, an increase from 2545 TWh in 2022. This substantial output underscores the significant contribution of nuclear energy to the world’s power supply.
Figure 1: Global nuclear electricity production trends from 1970 to 2023, showcasing regional contributions and overall growth.
Nuclear energy currently provides approximately 9% of the world’s total electricity and a significant 25% of the world’s low-carbon electricity, making it the second-largest source of low-carbon power globally, after hydropower. This places nuclear power as a critical player in mitigating climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Figure 2: A breakdown of world electricity production by source in 2022, highlighting the share of nuclear energy in the global energy mix.
In 2023, fourteen countries generated at least 25% of their electricity from nuclear power, showcasing a strong dependence on this energy source in certain nations. France leads the way, obtaining approximately 70% of its electricity from nuclear energy. Ukraine, Slovakia, and Hungary also heavily rely on nuclear, with about half of their electricity production coming from nuclear sources. Japan, historically reliant on nuclear for over 25% of its electricity, is expected to regain a similar level of nuclear contribution in its energy mix.
Figure 3: Nuclear electricity generation by country in 2023, illustrating the varying levels of nuclear power adoption across different nations.
Global Nuclear Power Deployment: A Country-by-Country View
The following table provides a detailed overview of nuclear power deployment across the globe, highlighting the number of operational reactors, electricity generation, and future plans for each country utilizing nuclear energy. This data offers a comprehensive perspective on how many countries in the world are actively involved in nuclear power and the scale of their engagement.
| COUNTRY | NUCLEAR ELECTRICITY GENERATION 2023 | REACTORS OPERABLE | REACTORS UNDER CONSTRUCTION | REACTORS PLANNED | REACTORS PROPOSED | URANIUM REQUIRED 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWh | % | No. | MWe | No. | MWe | |
| Argentina | 9.0 | 6.3 | 3 | 1641 | 1 | 29 |
| Armenia | 2.5 | 31.1 | 1 | 416 | 0 | 0 |
| Bangladesh | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2400 |
| Belarus | 11.0 | 28.6 | 2 | 2220 | 0 | 0 |
| Belgium | 31.3 | 41.2 | 5 | 3908 | 0 | 0 |
| Brazil | 13.7 | 2.2 | 2 | 1884 | 1 | 1405 |
| Bulgaria | 15.5 | 40.4 | 2 | 2006 | 0 | 0 |
| Canada | 83.5 | 13.7 | 17 | 12,669 | 0 | 0 |
| China | 406.5 | 4.9 | 58 | 56,888 | 29 | 33,165 |
| Czech Republic | 28.7 | 40.0 | 6 | 4212 | 0 | 0 |
| Egypt | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4800 |
| Finland | 32.8 | 42.0 | 5 | 4369 | 0 | 0 |
| France | 323.8 | 64.8 | 57 | 63,000 | 0 | 0 |
| Germany | 6.7 | 1.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ghana | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hungary | 15.1 | 48.8 | 4 | 1916 | 0 | 0 |
| India | 44.6 | 3.1 | 23 | 7425 | 7 | 5900 |
| Iran | 6.1 | 1.7 | 1 | 915 | 1 | 1057 |
| Japan † | 77.5 | 5.6 | 33 | 31,679 | 2 | 2756 |
| Kazakhstan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Korea RO (South) | 171.6 | 31.5 | 26 | 25,825 | 2 | 2680 |
| Mexico | 12.0 | 4.9 | 2 | 1552 | 0 | 0 |
| Netherlands | 3.8 | 3.4 | 1 | 482 | 0 | 0 |
| Pakistan | 22.4 | 17.4 | 6 | 3262 | 1 | 1100 |
| Poland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Romania | 10.3 | 18.9 | 2 | 1300 | 0 | 0 |
| Russia | 204.0 | 18.4 | 36 | 26,802 | 6 | 4102 |
| Saudi Arabia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Slovakia | 17.0 | 61.3 | 5 | 2308 | 1 | 471 |
| Slovenia | 5.3 | 36.8 | 1 | 688 | 0 | 0 |
| South Africa | 8.2 | 4.4 | 2 | 1854 | 0 | 0 |
| Spain | 54.4 | 20.3 | 7 | 7123 | 0 | 0 |
| Sweden | 46.6 | 28.6 | 6 | 7008 | 0 | 0 |
| Switzerland | 23.4 | 32.4 | 4 | 2973 | 0 | 0 |
| Turkey | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4800 |
| Ukraine † ‡ | 50.0 | 50.7 | 15 | 13,107 | 2 | 1900 |
| UAE | 31.2 | 19.7 | 4 | 5348 | 0 | 0 |
| United Kingdom | 37.3 | 12.5 | 9 | 5883 | 2 | 3440 |
| USA | 779.2 | 18.6 | 94 | 96,952 | 0 | 0 |
| Uzbekistan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| WORLD* | 2602 | c. 9% | 440 | 398,553 | 65 | 70,005 |
| TWh | % e | No. | MWe | No. | MWe |
Note: World figures include Taiwan, which generated 17.2 TWh from nuclear in 2023.
This table reveals that approximately 31 countries and Taiwan currently operate commercial nuclear power plants. However, the ambition for nuclear energy extends beyond these nations.
Emerging Nuclear Nations
Beyond the established nuclear powerhouses, several countries are actively pursuing nuclear energy programs. Bangladesh and Turkey are currently constructing their first nuclear power plants, marking their entry into the nuclear energy landscape. Numerous other nations are also taking concrete steps towards adopting nuclear power, recognizing its potential for energy security and clean energy production. These “emerging nuclear energy countries” represent the next wave of global nuclear expansion, further extending the reach of this technology.
Enhancing Reactor Performance Globally
An important trend in the nuclear industry is the continuous improvement in the performance of existing reactors. Over the past four decades, there has been a significant increase in the proportion of reactors achieving high capacity factors – a measure of how effectively reactors are operating at their maximum potential.
Figure 4: Long-term trends in nuclear reactor capacity factors, demonstrating consistent performance improvements over the last 40 years.
Notably, recent data indicates no significant decline in the average capacity factor of reactors even as they age. This demonstrates the effectiveness of maintenance and operational improvements in sustaining high performance levels throughout the lifespan of nuclear power plants.
Figure 5: Average capacity factor of reactors in 2023, categorized by reactor age, showing no significant age-related performance decline.
The Growing Need for Global Generating Capacity
The global demand for electricity is steadily rising, driven by population growth and economic development. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to replace aging fossil fuel power plants, particularly coal-fired plants, which are major contributors to carbon emissions. In 2022, fossil fuels still accounted for 61% of global electricity generation. Despite the growth of renewable energy sources, the share of fossil fuels in electricity generation has remained largely unchanged over the past 15 years, highlighting the need for diverse clean energy solutions.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) emphasizes the crucial role of nuclear energy in achieving global climate goals. The IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE) projects a substantial increase in nuclear capacity to 916 GWe by 2050. This scenario underscores the necessity of nuclear power in transitioning to a sustainable energy future and meeting the world’s growing electricity demands while minimizing carbon emissions.
Beyond Power Plants: Other Global Nuclear Reactor Applications
In addition to commercial power plants, over 50 countries operate approximately 220 research reactors. These reactors are vital for research, training, and the production of medical and industrial isotopes, demonstrating the multifaceted contributions of nuclear technology beyond electricity generation.
Nuclear reactors also play a critical role in marine propulsion, primarily in naval fleets. For over five decades, nuclear reactors have powered submarines and large surface vessels, accumulating over 13,000 reactor-years of experience in marine applications. Currently, over 160 ships, mostly submarines, are propelled by approximately 200 nuclear reactors, highlighting the strategic importance of nuclear power in maritime operations.
Russia operates a fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers and has pioneered floating nuclear power plants, demonstrating the adaptability of nuclear technology to address specific energy needs in remote and challenging environments. The deployment of floating nuclear power plants in Arctic regions showcases the innovative applications of nuclear energy in addressing diverse global energy challenges.
Conclusion: Nuclear Power’s Global Presence
In conclusion, while 31 countries plus Taiwan currently operate commercial nuclear power plants, the impact and reach of nuclear technology are far more extensive. Over 50 countries utilize research reactors, and nuclear power plays a critical role in various sectors, from medicine and industry to marine propulsion and space exploration. As the world seeks to address climate change and meet growing energy demands, nuclear energy stands as a significant and expanding global resource, with numerous countries relying on it and many more exploring its potential. The global landscape of nuclear power is dynamic, evolving with technological advancements and increasing international collaboration, solidifying its place as a vital component of the world’s energy future.
References
- OECD International Energy Agency, World Energy Outlook 2023
- OECD International Energy Agency Statistics
Related Information
Nuclear Energy and Sustainable Development
World Energy Needs & Nuclear Power
Plans For New Reactors Worldwide
The Many Uses of Nuclear Technology
What is Uranium? How Does it Work?
Financing Nuclear Energy
