Nuclear power remains a major source of low-carbon electricity around the world with steady growth driven by climate goals and energy security. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) the bulk of global nuclear generation capacity is concentrated in five countries: the United States France China Russia and South Korea. Together they account for about 71% of the world’s nuclear power capacity. These countries operate large fleets of reactors that supply significant shares of their national electricity. Technological advances in small modular reactors or SMRs are also reshaping the industry by offering safer more flexible and cost effective options that are suitable for smaller grids and emerging markets.
The United States is out in front when it comes to nuclear energy, producing 97 gigawatts (GW) of power from 94 reactors. Together, they generate over 800 terawatt-hours of clean electricity each year, that’s approximately 18% of the country’s total power supply.
France comes next, with close 36 GW from 57 reactors. The country’s big push into nuclear started back in the 1970s as a way to cut its reliance on oil. That strategy has paid off, today nearly 36% of France’s electricity comes from nuclear power.
China however, is catching up fast. It already runs 57 GW of nuclear capacity and has another 28 reactors under construction, expected to add roughly 30 GW of additional capacity soon. At this pace, China could overtake France in second position.
Russia and South Korea follow closely, with 27 GW and 26 GW respectively. Russia is in the middle of upgrading its system, phasing out older RBMK reactors, the same Soviet-era design linked to the Chernobyl disaster, and replacing them with newer, safer VVER (water-water energetic reactor) models that use water for both cooling and moderation.
Meanwhile South Korea is focusing on maintaining reliability and gradually upgrading its existing reactors to stay efficient and safe.
Beyond the top five the United Arab Emirates has about 4 GW from four reactors and India has about 15 GW spread over twenty reactors expanding their nuclear capacities. Southeast Asia is becoming a growing region for nuclear energy especially with SMRs due to rising electricity demand and clean energy goals. Many ASEAN nations are exploring nuclear power as part of their energy mix.
Looking ahead, SMRs are gaining importance not just in emerging markets but also in established nuclear countries including the United States Canada the United Kingdom and European nations. These smaller reactors support existing fleets and offer replacements for aging plants while diversifying energy systems. The IAEA has raised global nuclear capacity projections for the fifth year in a row emphasizing nuclear power’s role in climate mitigation and energy security.
The global nuclear landscape is shaped by major countries maintaining large reactor fleets and emerging nations scaling up capacity using new technologies like SMRs. This combination of established leaders innovation and expansion supports steady global growth of nuclear power for decades to come.
