Nuclear power plants worldwide, by country

Today, there are 32 countries in the world with nuclear power plants. Here is an overview:

Nuclear power plants in the USA

Nuclear power generation in the USA began in the mid-20th century and has become a major source of energy for the country. Today, the United States has the world’s largest fleet of nuclear reactors, with around 93 in operation in 28 states. In 2020, these reactors generated around 790 TWh of electricity, representing almost 20% of the country’s total electricity production. The U.S. nuclear industry is regulated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Nuclear power plants in France

Nuclear power generation is an essential component of France’s energy mix. The country currently has 56 reactors in operation, spread across 19 nuclear sites. In 2020, nuclear power generation in France amounted to around 335.4 TWh, representing almost 70% of the country’s total electricity production. Nuclear power’s significant share of electricity production makes France the world’s second-largest producer of nuclear power, behind only the United States.

The French nuclear industry is regulated by the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) and operated mainly by Électricité de France (EDF), a majority state-owned company. France also has reprocessing facilities for spent nuclear fuel, notably the La Hague plant.

Nuclear power plants in China

The history of nuclear power production in China dates back to 1991, when the nation’s first nuclear power plant, Qinshan, went into operation. By September 2021, China had 52 nuclear reactors in operation, with a total capacity of 58.2 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in China was around 366.2 TWh (terawatt-hours). The share of nuclear power in China’s total electricity generation was around 4.9% in 2020. China planned to increase its nuclear capacity to 70 GW by 2025. Currently under construction are 16 nuclear reactors, including the Hualong One and CAP1400 projects, which account for more than a quarter of the world’s new reactors.

Nuclear power plants in Russia

The history of nuclear production in Russia dates back to 1954, with the commissioning of the Obninsk nuclear power plant, the world’s first for civilian use. By September 2021, Russia had 38 nuclear reactors in operation, with a total capacity of around 29.3 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Russia was around 208.7 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing almost 19.7% of the country’s total electricity production. Several nuclear power plant construction projects were underway in Russia, including the 3rd generation VVER-1200 reactors.

Nuclear power plants in South Korea

The history of nuclear power generation in South Korea began in 1978 with the commissioning of the Kori-1 nuclear power plant. By September 2021, South Korea had 24 nuclear reactors in operation, with a total capacity of around 23.2 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in South Korea was around 134.3 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 26% of the country’s total electricity production.

In terms of construction projects, two APR-1400 reactors are under construction at the Shin-Hanul nuclear power plant: Shin-Hanul-1 and Shin-Hanul-2. As for closures, the Kori-1 plant was definitively shut down in June 2017 after 40 years of operation.

Nuclear power plants in Japan

The history of nuclear power generation in Japan dates back to 1966, with the commissioning of the Tokai nuclear power plant. By September 2021, Japan had 9 nuclear reactors in operation, with a total capacity of around 9 GW. Nuclear power generation in Japan has declined significantly since the Fukushima accident in 2011. In 2019, nuclear power generation was around 65.2 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 7.5% of the country’s total electricity production.

In terms of projects under construction, there are no new reactors under construction in Japan as of September 2021. Following the Fukushima accident, several reactors were shut down, including the six reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and the four reactors at the Fukushima Daini nuclear power plant.

Nuclear power plants in Canada

The history of nuclear power generation in Canada dates back to 1962, with the commissioning of the NPD (Nuclear Power Demonstration) nuclear power plant. By September 2021, Canada had 19 nuclear reactors in operation, with a total capacity of around 13.6 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Canada was around 95.5 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 15% of the country’s total electricity production.

There were no new nuclear power plant construction projects underway in Canada as of September 2021. However, several reactors are undergoing refurbishment, notably at the Bruce nuclear power plant and the Darlington nuclear power plant. As for closures, the Gentilly-2 nuclear power plant in Quebec was shut down in December 2012.

Nuclear power plants in Ukraine

The history of nuclear production in Ukraine dates back to 1977, with the commissioning of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. By September 2021, Ukraine had 15 nuclear reactors in operation, with a total capacity of around 13.1 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Ukraine was around 76.8 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 52% of the country’s total electricity production.

There were no new nuclear power plant construction projects underway in Ukraine as of September 2021. As far as closures are concerned, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, site of the famous 1986 nuclear accident, was gradually shut down, with the last reactor shut down in 2000. Since then, the plant has been dismantled and a sarcophagus built to contain the radioactive debris from the accident reactor.

Nuclear power plants in Spain

The history of nuclear power generation in Spain dates back to 1968, with the commissioning of the José Cabrera nuclear power plant. By September 2021, Spain had 7 nuclear reactors in operation, with a total capacity of around 7.1 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Spain was around 55.8 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 22% of the country’s total electricity production.

There were no new nuclear power plant construction projects underway in Spain as of September 2021. As far as closures are concerned, the José Cabrera nuclear power plant was shut down in 2006, and the Santa María de Garoña plant in 2017. Spain plans to phase out its existing nuclear reactors by 2035.

Nuclear power plants in Sweden

The history of nuclear production in Sweden dates back to 1972, with the commissioning of the Oskarshamn-1 nuclear power plant. By September 2021, Sweden had 6 nuclear reactors in operation, with a total capacity of around 8.4 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Sweden was around 55.5 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 30% of the country’s total electricity production.

There were no new nuclear power plant construction projects underway in Sweden as of September 2021. In terms of closures, four reactors have been shut down since 1999: Barsebäck-1 in 1999, Barsebäck-2 in 2005, Oskarshamn-1 in 2017 and Oskarshamn-2 in 2015. Sweden has adopted a nuclear phase-out plan, with all its reactors scheduled for closure by 2040.

Nuclear power plants in India

The history of nuclear production in India dates back to 1969, with the commissioning of the Tarapur-1 nuclear power plant. By September 2021, India had 22 nuclear reactors in operation, with a total capacity of around 6.8 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in India stood at around 40.2 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 3% of the country’s total electricity production.

In terms of construction projects, India had 7 nuclear reactors under construction as of September 2021, including 4 PHWR (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor) reactors and 2 VVER-1000 reactors at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant. No nuclear power plants have been closed recently in India.

Nuclear power plants in the UK

The history of nuclear power generation in the UK dates back to 1956, with the commissioning of Calder Hall nuclear power station. By September 2021, the UK had 15 nuclear reactors in operation, with a total capacity of around 8.9 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in the UK was around 51.3 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 15% of the country’s total electricity production.

In terms of construction projects, the Hinkley Point C EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) is currently under construction in the UK, with a planned capacity of 3.2 GW. As far as closures are concerned, several reactors have been shut down recently, including those at Oldbury Nuclear Power Station in 2012 and Wylfa Nuclear Power Station in 2015. Other reactors are currently being dismantled, such as those at Sizewell A nuclear power plant and Dungeness A nuclear power plant.

Nuclear power plants in Finland

The history of nuclear power generation in Finland dates back to 1977, with the commissioning of the Olkiluoto-1 nuclear power plant. By September 2021, Finland had 4 nuclear reactors in operation, with a total capacity of around 2.8 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Finland was around 22.6 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 30% of the country’s total electricity production.

In terms of construction projects, an EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) is currently under construction at the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant, the Olkiluoto-3 reactor, with a planned capacity of 1.6 GW. In addition, the Hanhikivi-1 VVER-1200 reactor is scheduled for construction, with a capacity of 1.2 GW. No nuclear power plants have been closed recently in Finland.

Nuclear power plants in the United Arab Emirates

Nuclear production in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) began in 2020 with the commissioning of the Barakah-1 nuclear power plant reactor. By September 2021, there was one nuclear reactor in operation in the country, with a capacity of around 1.4 GW. Nuclear power generation in the UAE for the year 2021 is not yet available, as the plant has only recently started operating.

As far as construction projects are concerned, three further APR-1400 reactors are under construction at the Barakah nuclear power plant, with an expected total capacity of 4.2 GW once completed. No nuclear power plants have been closed recently in the United Arab Emirates, as the country has just launched its nuclear power program.

Nuclear power plants in Germany

The history of nuclear power generation in Germany dates back to 1966, with the commissioning of the Kahl nuclear power plant. By September 2021, Germany had 6 nuclear reactors in operation, with a total capacity of around 8.1 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Germany was around 60.3 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 11% of the country’s total electricity production.

There are no current nuclear power plant construction projects in Germany, as the country has decided to phase out all its nuclear power plants by the end of 2022. Several nuclear power plants have been closed recently, including Philippsburg-2 in 2019, Gundremmingen-B in 2017 and Grafenrheinfeld in 2015. Further reactors are scheduled for closure by the end of 2022.

Nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic

The history of nuclear power generation in the Czech Republic began in 1985 with the commissioning of the Dukovany-1 nuclear power plant. By September 2021, the Czech Republic had 6 nuclear reactors in operation, divided between the Dukovany and Temelín plants, with a total capacity of around 3.9 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in the Czech Republic was around 28.9 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 36% of the country’s total electricity production.

There are currently no plans to build nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic, but the country has expressed its intention to expand nuclear production in the future. No nuclear power plants have been closed recently in the country.

Nuclear power plants in Belgium

The history of nuclear production in Belgium dates back to 1974, with the commissioning of the Doel-1 nuclear power plant. By September 2021, Belgium had 7 nuclear reactors in operation, divided between the Doel and Tihange plants, with a total capacity of around 5.9 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Belgium was around 39.8 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 39% of the country’s total electricity production.

There are no nuclear power plant construction projects underway in Belgium, as the country has decided to phase out all its nuclear power plants by the end of 2025. Two reactors, Doel-3 and Tihange-2, were temporarily shut down between 2012 and 2015 due to safety issues, but were subsequently re-commissioned. Final closures of the reactors are planned by 2025.

Nuclear power plants in Pakistan

The history of nuclear power generation in Pakistan began in 1972 with the commissioning of the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP). By September 2021, Pakistan had 5 nuclear reactors in operation, divided between the Karachi and Chashma plants, with a total capacity of around 1.3 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Pakistan stood at around 9.3 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 6.4% of the country’s total electricity production.

Pakistan continues to expand its nuclear power generation, with a nuclear power plant project under construction, Karachi-3 (K-3), scheduled for completion around 2023. No nuclear power plants have been shut down in the country recently.

Nuclear power plants in Switzerland

The history of nuclear power generation in Switzerland began in 1969 with the commissioning of the Beznau-1 nuclear power plant. By September 2021, Switzerland had 4 nuclear reactors in operation, at the Beznau, Gösgen and Leibstadt plants, with a total capacity of around 3 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Switzerland was around 24.5 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 18% of the country’s total electricity production.

There are no plans to build nuclear power plants in Switzerland. The country has decided not to replace its existing nuclear power plants once they reach the end of their service life, and has closed the Mühleberg plant in 2019. The remaining reactors are scheduled for gradual closure by 2034.

Nuclear power plants in Slovakia

The history of nuclear production in Slovakia began in 1985 with the commissioning of the first reactor at the Jaslovské Bohunice nuclear power plant. By September 2021, Slovakia had 4 nuclear reactors in operation, divided between the Jaslovské Bohunice and Mochovce plants, with a total capacity of around 1.8 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Slovakia was around 13.7 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 54% of the country’s total electricity production.

Two additional reactors are currently under construction at the Mochovce power plant: Mochovce-3 and Mochovce-4, scheduled for commissioning in 2023 and 2024 respectively. As for recent closures, the V1 reactors at Jaslovské Bohunice were shut down in 2006 and 2008, in line with the commitments made by Slovakia on joining the European Union.

Nuclear power plants in Bulgaria

The history of nuclear production in Bulgaria began in 1974 with the commissioning of the first reactor at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant. By September 2021, Bulgaria had 2 nuclear reactors in operation, both at the Kozloduy plant, with a total capacity of around 2 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Bulgaria was around 15.1 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 36% of the country’s total electricity production.

There are no current nuclear power plant construction projects in Bulgaria. However, plans for a new reactor at the Kozloduy power plant have been announced, but construction has not yet begun. As for recent closures, reactors 1 to 4 at the Kozloduy plant were shut down between 2002 and 2006, in line with the commitments made by Bulgaria when it joined the European Union.

Nuclear power plants in Hungary

Nuclear power production in Hungary began with the commissioning of the Paks nuclear power plant in 1982. By September 2021, Hungary had 4 nuclear reactors in operation, all located in Paks, with a total capacity of around 2 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Hungary was around 15.5 TWh (terawatt-hours), representing around 52% of the country’s total electricity production.

There is currently a project to extend the Paks nuclear power plant, known as Paks II, which involves the construction of two new reactors with a total capacity of 2.4 GW. Construction work on Paks II is due to start in 2022, with each reactor scheduled for commissioning in 2029 and 2031 respectively. There have been no recent nuclear power plant closures in Hungary.

Nuclear power plants in Brazil

Brazil currently has two nuclear reactors in operation, Angra 1 and Angra 2, located at the Angra dos Reis nuclear power plant. Angra 1 was commissioned in 1982, while Angra 2 was connected to the grid in 2000. Together, these reactors have a total capacity of around 1.9 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Brazil amounted to around 12.8 TWh, representing around 2.7% of the country’s total electricity production.

A third reactor, Angra 3, is currently under construction at the Angra dos Reis nuclear power plant. Angra 3, with a planned capacity of 1.4 GW, has experienced several delays and interruptions since construction began in 2010. The planned commissioning date is now 2026. There have been no recent nuclear power plant closures in Brazil.

Nuclear power plants in South Africa

South Africa has a single nuclear power plant, Koeberg, which has been in operation since 1984. This plant is equipped with two nuclear reactors, with a total capacity of around 1.9 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in South Africa amounted to around 13.6 TWh, representing around 4.6% of the country’s total electricity production.

There are currently no plans to build new nuclear power plants in South Africa, and no nuclear power plants have been closed recently. The history of nuclear power generation in South Africa is mainly linked to the Koeberg plant, which is operated by the state-owned Eskom.

Nuclear power plants in Argentina

Argentina has three nuclear reactors in operation, divided between two power plants: Atucha (Atucha I and Atucha II) and Embalse. Total installed capacity is around 1.6 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Argentina was around 7.2 TWh, representing almost 4.9% of the country’s total electricity production.

Argentina has a long history of nuclear power generation, with the commissioning of the Atucha I reactor in 1974. In terms of current projects, construction of a new reactor, called Carem-25, began in 2014. This modular pressurized water reactor, with a capacity of 25 MW, is being developed by Argentina’s National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA). There have been no recent nuclear power plant closures in Argentina.

Nuclear power plants in Mexico

In Mexico, nuclear power is generated by the Laguna Verde nuclear power plant in the state of Veracruz. This plant has two reactors in operation, with a total installed capacity of around 1.6 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Mexico was around 10.4 TWh, representing around 4.5% of the country’s total electricity production.

The Laguna Verde nuclear power plant was commissioned in 1990 with the first reactor, while the second reactor was added in 1995. There are currently no plans to build a new nuclear power plant in Mexico. Similarly, there have been no recent reports of nuclear power plant closures in the country.

Nuclear power plants in Romania

Romania’s nuclear power generation comes from the Cernavodă nuclear power plant, which has two reactors in operation and a total installed capacity of around 1.4 GW. In 2020, nuclear power generation in Romania amounted to around 10.3 TWh, representing almost 18% of the country’s total electricity production.

The Cernavodă nuclear power plant was commissioned in 1996 with the first reactor, while the second reactor was added in 2007. There are plans to expand the plant with units 3 and 4, but construction has not yet begun and has experienced several delays. No nuclear power plant closures have been reported recently in Romania.

Nuclear power plants in Belarus

In Belarus, the country’s first nuclear power plant, the Ostrovets nuclear power plant, was commissioned in November 2020. The plant has two reactors, the first of which was commissioned in 2020 and the second in 2021, with a total capacity of 2.4 GW. Although there are no precise data on annual electricity production for a full year, nuclear power’s share of the country’s total electricity production is expected to be around 30-40% once the two reactors are fully operational.

The history of nuclear power generation in Belarus is relatively recent, with construction of the Ostrovets nuclear power plant starting in 2013. There are no further nuclear power plant projects under construction in Belarus at the moment, and no nuclear power plants have been closed recently, as the first plant has only just been commissioned.

Nuclear power plants in Iran

Iran’s nuclear power generation comes mainly from the Bouchehr nuclear power plant, which has a reactor capacity of 1,000 MW. In 2020, the plant produced around 6.9 TWh of electricity. This represents around 2% of the country’s total electricity production. The history of nuclear production in Iran dates back to the 1970s, but the Bouchehr plant was commissioned in 2011 after several decades of delays and difficulties.

There are currently plans to build two new reactors at Bouchehr, with a combined capacity of 2,100 MW. No nuclear power plants have been shut down recently in Iran, as the Bouchehr plant is the country’s first and only operating nuclear power plant.

Nuclear power plants in Slovenia

Slovenia has just one nuclear power plant, the Krško nuclear power plant, which is shared with Croatia. The plant has a pressurized water reactor with a capacity of 688 MW. In 2020, the plant generated around 5.6 TWh of electricity, accounting for around 36% of Slovenia’s total electricity production. The Krško power plant has been in operation since 1983.

There are currently no plans to build new nuclear power plants in Slovenia.

Nuclear power plants in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has just one nuclear power plant in operation, the Borssele nuclear power plant. It is equipped with a 485 MW pressurized water reactor. In 2020, the plant generated around 3.7 TWh of electricity, accounting for around 3% of the country’s total electricity production. The Borssele power plant has been in operation since 1973.

There are currently no plans to build new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands. Moreover, no nuclear power plants have been closed recently, as Borssele is the only nuclear power plant in operation in the country.

Nuclear power plants in Armenia

Armenia has just one nuclear power plant, the Metsamor plant, also known as the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. The plant has one operating reactor, the VVER-440, with a capacity of 375 MW. In 2020, the plant generated around 2.1 TWh of electricity, accounting for almost 30% of the country’s total electricity production. Metsamor was commissioned in 1976 and temporarily shut down between 1989 and 1995 due to safety issues.

There are currently no plans to build new nuclear power plants in Armenia, and no nuclear power plants have been closed recently, as Metsamor is the only nuclear power plant in operation in the country.