Nuclear power by country

• 1. Global Capacity And Deployment

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  As of May 2025, nuclear power plants operate in thirty-one countries. These facilities generate about one-tenth of the world's electricity supply. The global operational fleet consists of four hundred sixteen reactors with a net capacity of three hundred seventy-six thousand two hundred sixty-one megawatts electric. Another sixty-three reactors are currently under construction across the globe. China leads the construction pipeline with twenty-nine new reactors adding over thirty thousand megawatts to its grid. India follows with six reactors bringing nearly five thousand megawatts online. Most active plants cluster within Europe, North America, and East Asia. This geographic concentration defines where the technology remains most vital for modern energy grids.

• 2. Leading Producers And Shareholders

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  The United States stands as the largest producer of nuclear power globally. In 2024 alone, American reactors generated seven hundred eighty-one thousand nine hundred forty-five gigawatt hours of electricity. France holds the highest share of national electricity generation from nuclear sources at approximately sixty-five percent. Slovakia, Belgium, and Ukraine also rely on these plants for the majority of their domestic power needs. China ranks second in total production volume with four hundred seventeen thousand five hundred eighteen gigawatt hours. That figure represents a massive output despite accounting for only four point eight one percent of the country's total electricity mix. Capacity factors vary significantly between nations, ranging from thirty-three percent to ninety-two point five percent depending on operational efficiency and maintenance schedules.

• 3. Historical Phaseouts And Closures

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  Italy closed all of its nuclear stations by 1990 following public referendums held in 1987. The decision permanently discontinued nuclear power development within the nation. Lithuania shut down its RBMK reactor type station in 2009 citing safety concerns. Kazakhstan phased out its program entirely in 1999 but plans to reintroduce it possibly by 2035 under new referendum rules. Germany completed its phaseout policy in 2023 after operating plants since 1960. Taiwan finished its own phaseout process in 2025. Austria built the Zwentendorf Nuclear Power Plant yet never put it into use. The Philippines constructed the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant but left it mothballed until recent discussions about restarting operations began.

• 4. Emerging Markets And Future Plans

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  Poland entered an advanced planning phase for a project totaling one point five gigawatts as of 2020. Officials there aim to reach up to nine gigawatts by 2040. Iraq declared plans in 2021 to build eight reactors by 2030. These units would supply up to twenty-five percent of electric power in a grid currently suffering from severe shortages. Hong Kong operates no plants within its boundary but imports eighty percent of electricity from the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station located across the border. The territory's power company holds a stake in that facility. Some nations like Sweden and Belgium originally had phase-out policies but have now moved away from those original plans. The Philippines relaunched their nuclear programme on the 28th of February 2022 to potentially operate the 1984 mothballed Bataan Plant again.

• 5. Regional Distribution Patterns

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  Nuclear energy production concentrates heavily within Europe, North America, and East Asia. France alone contributes three hundred sixty-four thousand three hundred ninety gigawatt hours annually. That output represents nearly seventy percent of the country's total generation capacity. Germany produced two hundred twelve thousand ten four gigawatt hours before closing its fleet. China generated four hundred seventeen thousand five hundred eighteen gigawatt hours in 2024. The United States delivered seven hundred eighty-one thousand nine hundred forty-five gigawatt hours. Only four countries use nuclear power as the primary source for more than half their national electricity supply. Slovakia, Belgium, Ukraine, and France lead this specific category. Other regions maintain significant amounts of capacity without reaching majority status. This distribution pattern highlights where political will and infrastructure support align with technical requirements.