Global nuclear energy expansion accelerates with new reactors

The nuclear energy sector is undergoing a significant revival as countries around the world rapidly increase their nuclear power capabilities. Currently, 74 reactors are under construction in 15 nations, reflecting a renewed interest in nuclear energy driven by growing electricity demand resulting from various technological advancements. China is leading this nuclear expansion, constructing more reactors than all other nations combined.

China has 37 reactors under construction, representing nearly 43 gigawatts of new capacity, a figure that exceeds the combined output of other countries. Following China, India ranks second with eight reactors in progress, while Russia is developing seven. Both Egypt and Turkey are entering the nuclear arena with four reactors each, and the United Kingdom is cautiously moving forward with two reactors under construction. China's current nuclear development will add more capacity than the entire operational fleets of Russia and South Korea combined.

The landscape of nuclear power generation reveals that five countries— the United States, China, France, Russia, and South Korea—generate over two-thirds of the global nuclear electricity. The United States leads with an annual output of 826,100 GWh, while China's production is rapidly increasing, reaching 485,200 GWh. France, with 390,100 GWh, maintains a substantial nuclear presence, particularly given its smaller population compared to both the U.S. and China.

Dependence on nuclear power varies significantly among nations. France leads globally with 68.13% of its electricity supply sourced from nuclear power. Slovakia follows closely at 64.43%, while Ukraine generates 55.05% of its electricity from nuclear plants. In contrast, the U.S. lags with only 17.72% of its electricity coming from nuclear energy, highlighting a divergence in reliance on this energy source.

When examining reactor counts, the United States operates 94 reactors—more than any other country—despite many being several decades old. China operates 60 reactors, showcasing its rapid growth in nuclear capacity over the past two decades. France, Russia, South Korea, and Canada round out the top five nations by reactor count. This metric illustrates an important distinction between output and operational capacity, with U.S. reactors producing significant amounts of energy due to their age and size.

Europe displays a sharp divide in nuclear energy policies. France's nuclear generation far exceeds that of all other European nations combined, while Germany's recent decision to close its last reactor in 2023 significantly alters the continent's nuclear landscape. This contrast highlights the differing energy policies adopted across Europe.

Asia's nuclear ambitions are becoming increasingly important, with China leading the region with a total of 60 operating reactors. South Korea, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the UAE are also developing their nuclear capabilities, marking a shift from previous decades when nuclear energy was mainly a Western initiative. In fact, Asia now accounts for a substantial portion of the world's reactors under construction.

Looking ahead, projections indicate that China is set to add around 118 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity in the coming years, significantly expanding its fleet. India plans to increase its capacity by approximately 32 gigawatts, while Russia targets an additional 21 gigawatts. The United Kingdom and Turkey are both planning about 15 gigawatts of growth. France, despite its already dominant position, aims to add another 12 gigawatts to secure its energy independence.

This trend in expansion represents a broader strategy to meet escalating global electricity demands while adhering to climate goals. The introduction of small modular reactors could further transform the construction and integration of nuclear power within energy systems. Overall, these developments indicate a promising future for nuclear power, with global capacity expected to rise more than 75% within the next two decades.

For a comprehensive analysis of this evolving market, refer to the Nuclear Steam Supply System (NSSS) Market report, which provides insights into the various reactor types and applications shaping the nuclear sector.