USA
The USA boasts a total nuclear capacity of 91.5 gigawatt (GW), which is generated by 93 reactors that are spread across 30 of the country’s 50 states. This capacity currently allows for the production of 20 per cent of the country’s total electricity consumption, with the US — particularly since 2016 — relying more on coal and gas for power production. Just recently, the state of Georgia saw the construction of two more reactors, part of the Vogtle project. They cost Sh387 billion (US$31 billion), according to calculations by The Associated Press.
France
Generating a larger share of nuclear energy than any of its counterparts on this list, France produces two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear sources from 56 operational reactors, which collectively generated 338.7 Terawatt hours (TWh) in 2020. Low production costs and general expertise in this area have allowed the country to generate approximately 17 per cent of its electricity from recycled nuclear fuel. France will build more reactors in years to come, with an aim to decarbonise its power generation by 2050.
China
A net installed capacity of 50.8GW via 51 nuclear reactors makes China the third biggest nuclear energy-producing country in the world. Though currently under construction, China is planning to grow its power system, with 18 reactors to open soon. Collectively, this would generate 17.2GW for China’s power systems. The country is also planning to build an additional 39 nuclear reactors with a combined gross capacity of 43GW.
Japan
Japan has a total of 33 operational nuclear plants that have 31.7GW net installed capacity. Two reactors, Ohma 1 and Shimane 3, are currently under construction but will, when finished, account for an additional net capacity of 2.6GW. Prior to the Fukushima nuclear incident in March 2011, 30 per cent of Japan’s energy requirements were derived from nuclear energy. Now, the country imports 90 per cent of its energy requirements.
Russia
Often touted as the original frontrunner of nuclear technology due to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics’ industrial efforts, Russia takes the number five spot, with 38 operating reactors and a net capacity of 29.6GW. Russia produced 195.5TWh of nuclear energy in 2019, which accounted for approximately 19.7 per cent of the total electricity generated. Two reactors – as part of the Kursk II project – with a net capacity of 2.3GW, are currently under construction.
South Korea
With 24 nuclear reactors in operation that have a combined capacity of 24.5GW, South Korea generated 139TWh of nuclear energy that year, deriving a total of 26 per cent of its total electricity from nuclear energy. The south-eastern region of the country is a major hub for high electricity demand due to it being home to several heavy manufacturing plants.
Canada
In the number seven spot is Canada, with 19 operational nuclear reactors that are spread across four power plants, amounting to a total of 13.6GW net installed capacity. The country generated 94.9TWh of nuclear energy in 2019, accounting for 14.9 per cent of the country’s total power generation. All the power plants in Canada utilise Canadian Deuterium-Uranium (CANDU) reactors, which are pressurised heavy water reactors that use uranium as fuel, and water as both a coolant and moderator.
Ukraine
With 15 operable nuclear reactors and a combined net installed capacity of 13.1GW, Ukraine is the eighth highest nuclear power producing country globally. Two reactors (Khmelnytskyi 3 and 4) are currently under construction, with heavy water reactors providing 2GW net capacity. Ukraine produced a total of 78.1 TWh of nuclear energy in 2019, accounting for 53.9 per cent of the total electricity produced in the country. Due to current geopolitical instability – and to subsequently lessen its reliance on Russian nuclear fuel and services – the country is proactively purchasing fuel from US-based Westinghouse.
UK
The United Kingdom has a combined net nuclear energy capacity of 8.9GW from 13 operable nuclear reactors. The country generated a total of 51TWh of nuclear energy in 2019, a 15.6 per cent of the UK’s total electricity output. Expected to open in June 2027, construction started on two new nuclear reactors, Hinkley Point C1 and Hinkley Point C2, which will supply low-carbon electricity for six million homes. Approximately half of its existing nuclear power reactors will be retired by 2035.
Spain
Recently replacing Sweden in the number 10 spot, nuclear energy currently accounts for 22 per cent of Spain’s electricity. The country has an installed capacity of 7.1GW, generated by seven reactors. Nuclear plants are currently essential to the country’s energy grid needs and ministers have thus lifted limits to their operational lifespans. In 2020 and 2021, six of the country’s seven reactors renewed their licences. All of these would expire before 2035 – the deadline for the Spanish government’s planned phase-out of nuclear power.