Nuclear energy plays a significant role in the global energy landscape, powering homes, industries, and even exploring the vastness of space. Understanding the global reach of nuclear power requires looking at how many countries harness this technology and to what extent. This article delves into the current state of nuclear energy around the world, exploring the nations that utilize it, the scale of its contribution to global electricity, and the trends shaping its future.
Nuclear Energy: A Global Overview
Nuclear technology, born from scientific breakthroughs in the mid-20th century, has evolved from its initial, less peaceful applications to become a crucial source of electricity. The first commercial nuclear power plants began operating in the 1950s, marking the start of nuclear energy’s journey as a power provider. Today, approximately 440 nuclear power reactors are operational across the globe, supplying about 9% of the world’s electricity. Furthermore, nuclear energy stands out as a major contributor to low-carbon electricity, accounting for about one-quarter of the world’s low-carbon electricity generation, making it the second largest source of low-carbon power after hydropower.
Beyond electricity generation, over 50 countries utilize nuclear technology in around 220 research reactors. These reactors are invaluable tools for research, training, and the production of medical and industrial isotopes, demonstrating the diverse applications of nuclear science.
Civilian nuclear power boasts an impressive track record of around 20,000 reactor-years of operational experience. Currently, 31 countries and Taiwan operate nuclear power plants. However, the influence of nuclear-generated power extends even further. Through interconnected regional transmission grids, many more countries indirectly depend on nuclear energy, particularly in Europe, highlighting the interconnected nature of global energy systems.
The nuclear industry today is a globalized endeavor. Components for a single reactor under construction in one country can originate from various nations, including South Korea, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, and Russia. Similarly, the nuclear fuel cycle involves a complex international supply chain. Uranium mined in Australia or Namibia might undergo processing in France, enrichment in the Netherlands, and fuel fabrication in South Korea before powering a reactor in the UAE. This international collaboration underscores the global scale of nuclear energy.
Nuclear technology’s benefits extend far beyond electricity generation. It plays a vital role in healthcare, helping to diagnose and treat diseases, and it powers ambitious space exploration missions. These diverse applications position nuclear technologies as central to global sustainable development efforts.
Key Statistics on Global Nuclear Energy Usage
In 2023, nuclear power plants globally produced 2602 TWh of electricity, an increase from 2545 TWh in 2022, demonstrating a continued growth in nuclear energy output.
In 2023, fourteen countries generated at least 25% of their electricity from nuclear power. France leads in nuclear energy reliance, with approximately 70% of its electricity coming from nuclear sources. Ukraine, Slovakia, and Hungary also heavily rely on nuclear power, with about half of their electricity generation from nuclear. Japan, historically reliant on nuclear for over 25% of its electricity, is expected to return to similar levels as reactors restart.
World Overview of Nuclear Reactors
The following table provides a detailed country-level breakdown of nuclear energy statistics, showing the number of operating reactors, reactors under construction, planned reactors, proposed reactors, and uranium requirements for each nation. This data illustrates the global distribution and future plans for nuclear power across different countries.
| 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 |
Note: World figures include Taiwan, which generated 17.2 TWh from nuclear in 2023.
Emerging Nuclear Nations
Beyond the established nuclear powerhouses, several countries are actively pursuing nuclear energy for the first time. Bangladesh and Turkey are currently constructing their inaugural nuclear power plants, signaling a growing interest in nuclear energy in new regions. Numerous other nations are also exploring the possibility of incorporating nuclear power into their energy mix, recognizing its potential for energy security and low-carbon electricity generation. These “emerging nuclear energy countries” represent a potential expansion of nuclear power’s global footprint in the coming decades. For more detailed insights, further information can be found on the Emerging Nuclear Energy Countries page.
Improved Performance of Nuclear Reactors
The efficiency and reliability of nuclear reactors have significantly improved over time. Over the past four decades, there has been a notable increase in the proportion of reactors achieving high capacity factors. Capacity factor, a measure of how often a plant is operating at full power, reflects the improved operational performance of nuclear facilities.
Interestingly, recent data indicates no significant age-related decline in the average capacity factor of reactors over the last five years. This suggests that with proper maintenance and upgrades, nuclear power plants can maintain high performance levels throughout their operational lifespan.
The Growing Need for New Generating Capacity
Globally, there is a pressing need for new electricity generating capacity. This demand is driven by two primary factors: the necessity to replace aging fossil fuel power plants, particularly coal-fired plants known for their high carbon dioxide emissions, and the increasing electricity demand in many rapidly developing countries. In 2022, fossil fuels still accounted for 61% of global electricity generation. Despite the growth of renewable energy sources, the contribution of fossil fuels to power generation has remained relatively stable over the last 15 years.
The OECD International Energy Agency (IEA) projects a significant increase in nuclear capacity in its World Energy Outlook 2023. The Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE) in this report envisions nuclear capacity increasing to 916 GWe by 2050. This scenario outlines a pathway to limit global warming to 1.5°C while ensuring universal access to modern energy by 2030. More information on these projections can be found on the IEA Scenarios and the Outlook for Nuclear Power page.
Beyond Power Plants: Other Nuclear Reactors
In addition to commercial nuclear power plants, approximately 220 research reactors are operational in over 50 countries, with more under construction. These reactors serve crucial roles in research, education, and the production of medical and industrial isotopes.
Nuclear reactors are also utilized for marine propulsion, primarily by major navies. Nuclear-powered submarines and large surface vessels have been in operation for over five decades. Over 160 ships, mainly submarines, are powered by around 200 nuclear reactors, accumulating over 13,000 reactor-years of experience in marine applications.
Russia operates a fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers and has commissioned a floating nuclear power plant in Pevek, a remote Arctic region. This plant, equipped with two 32 MWe reactors adapted from icebreaker technology, highlights the versatility of nuclear reactors for various applications and environments. Further information on the diverse uses of nuclear technology can be found on The Many Uses of Nuclear Technology page.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nuclear energy is utilized by 31 countries and Taiwan for electricity generation, with over 50 countries benefiting from research reactors and other nuclear applications. As the world seeks to decarbonize its energy systems and meet growing electricity demands, nuclear energy is poised to play an increasingly important role. Its established presence in numerous countries, coupled with ongoing advancements and the emergence of new nuclear nations, underscores its significance in the global 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
