Global Nuclear Renaissance: Over 75 Reactors Under Construction, China Leading with 30+ New Units
The global nuclear energy sector is experiencing a renaissance, with over 75 reactors currently under construction across 15 countries and approximately 120 additional reactors planned, according t...
The global nuclear energy sector is experiencing a renaissance, with over 75 reactors currently under construction across 15 countries and approximately 120 additional reactors planned, according to the World Nuclear Association.
Current State of Global Nuclear
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating reactors | ~440 in 31 countries |
| Total capacity | ~400 GWe |
| 2024 electricity output | 2,667 TWh (~9% of global) |
| Under construction | 70+ in 15 countries |
| Planned | ~120 additional reactors |
| Countries considering nuclear | ~35 |
2026: A Record Year for Completions
2026 is set to be the biggest year for new reactor completions in decades:
| Country | Reactor | Type | Capacity (MWe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Rooppur 1 | VVER-1200 | 1,200 |
| China | Taipingling 2 | Hualong One | 1,200 |
| China | Changjiang SMR 1 | ACP100 | 125 |
| China | Tianwan 7 | VVER-1200 | 1,200 |
| China | Xiapu 1 | CFR600 (fast) | 600 |
| China | Changjiang 3 | Hualong One | 1,200 |
| China | Shidaowan Guohe 2 | CAP1400 | 1,500 |
| India | Kalpakkam PFBR | FBR (fast) | 500 |
| India | Kudankulam 3 | VVER-1000 | 1,000 |
| India | Rajasthan 8 | PHWR-700 | 700 |
| Russia | Kursk II-2 | VVER-TOI | 1,255 |
| Slovakia | Mochovce 4 | VVER-440 | 471 |
| South Korea | Saeul 3 | APR1400 | 1,400 |
| Turkey | Akkuyu 1 | VVER-1200 | 1,200 |
China's Nuclear Dominance
China is building more reactors than the rest of the world combined. Key developments:
- SMR debut: Changjiang SMR 1 (ACP100, 125 MWe) — the world's first commercial small modular reactor
- Fast reactors: Xiapu 1 (CFR600) and India's PFBR represent next-generation breeder technology
- Scale: China aims for 150+ GW nuclear capacity by 2035
Notable Emerging Players
- Bangladesh: First nuclear plant (Rooppur) entering operation
- Turkey: Akkuyu nuclear plant (4xVVER-1200) — first nuclear in the Middle East
- Egypt: El Dabaa (2xVVER-1200) starting 2029
The Challenge
Despite the construction boom, retirements nearly match new capacity. Over 20 years, 111 reactors retired while only 101 started operation.
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