The US, France, China, Russia, and South Korea are the top five countries in terms of nuclear electricity generation capacity globally.

The US has the most capacity, followed by France, with 94 reactors operating in 31 countries, reported the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The development of nuclear power plants began in the late 1950s, and most of the operating capacity was constructed between 1967 and 1990.

In 2024, nuclear electricity accounted for 19 per cent of US electricity generation.

France maintains the second-largest nuclear reactor fleet in the world, with 57 reactors and a total installed generating capacity of 63 GW.

France generated over 320 GWh of electricity in 2023, accounting for nearly 65 per cent of its total electricity generation.

China has the fastest nuclear growth rate, with 57 reactors commissioned since 1991 and 28 reactors under construction.

Once completed, China’s total installed nuclear capacity would surpass France. Russia operates 36 reactors with a total installed generating capacity of 27 GW, with another 4 units under construction.

South Korea’s energy policy is driven by energy security and minimising dependence on imported fossil fuels.

South Korea’s state-backed Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power is an international nuclear vendor, building the UAE Barakah power plant and the Dukovany power plant expansion in the Czech Republic.