Nuclear Reactors 1990-2022
May 15, 2023
Total number of nuclear reactors operating worldwide from 1990-2022. Additional charts showing 2022 market share by main users and map illustrating number of reactors by main user from 1990-2022.
In the past, the nuclear industry enjoyed a clear positive trend increasing from 416 reactors in 1990 to 441 in 2010. This trend stopped following the Fukushima accident in 2011 but is once again reverting to growth as energy security becomes the main driver amid the current global energy crisis. Today, there are 437 nuclear power reactors operating in 32 countries.
Nuclear Power Generation by Country
May 11, 2023
Nuclear power generation by main users for 2021-2022 with the US, China, and France being the largest. Additional chart showing 2022 market share by main users.
Total nuclear power generation in 2022Â was similar to 2021 at about 2600 TWh with the US accounting for about 30%.
Decommissioned Reactors Over Time
May 15, 2023
Total number of decommissioned nuclear reactors over time worldwide (in ascending order). Additional charts showing 2022 market share by electric capacity and map illustrating number of decommissioned reactors by main users.
The world nuclear fleet is getting older: Of the 437 reactors, 306 (70%) are 30 years old, or older, and 25% are over 40 years old. The average reactor can be kept in operation for 60-80 years. According to the IEA, around 200 commercial reactors are to be shut down between 2020 and 2040.
Nuclear Power Plants Under Construction Worldwide
May 16, 2023
Worldwide nuclear power plants under construction by country in 2022. Additional chart showing annual investments in the nuclear industry from 2017-2022 and a map illustrating the annual forecast by main user for 2023-2030.
There are currently 17 countries building nuclear power plants with almost half of the projects facing various levels of delays in construction – some about 2-3 years, but for the users the delays are significant (5 years or more).
Nuclear Power Generation Capacity
May 11, 2023
Worldwide nuclear power generation capacity forecast by country between 2022 and 2030. Additional chart showing annual investments in the nuclear industry for 2021, 2022, and 2030.
In 2022, worldwide generation capacity reached 392 GW (US -24%, France – 16%, China – 14%). Incorrys forecasts worldwide nuclear capacity will increase steadily to 477 GW in 2030, an increase of 21% from 2022.
Nuclear Power Production
May 11, 2023
Worldwide nuclear power production forecast, by country, between 2022 and 2030. Additional chart showing 2030 market share of nuclear power production by country.
Incorrys forecasts power produced by nuclear reactors will increase 32% from over 2600 TWh in 2022 to almost 3500 TWh in 2030. China sees the largest growth more than doubling from under 500 TWh in 2022 to over 1000 TWh in 2030.
Investment Costs/kW at Various Levels of Cost of Capital
May 16, 2023
Map illustrating investment costs/kW at various costs of capital (3%, 7%, and 10%) by main users.
Keeping the cost of capital low is key to both the competitiveness of nuclear energy against alternative baseload generators as well as for limiting the overall costs of the transition to net zero energy systems by 2050.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
May 10, 2023
Overview of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), a new nuclear power technology, and forecast of SMR capacity additions worldwide through 2030.
Currently, there are more than 80 SMR designs under development worldwide for advanced applications and different phases of deployment. Only two SMR plants are currently in operation (Russia and China) and two more under construction (Argentina and China). However, the majority of the SMRs currently under development are still only in various stages of development and design.
Ontario Nuclear Refurbishment
November 27, 2020
Ontario’s available nuclear power generation capacity forecast to 2030 as they refurbish the Bruce and Darlington sites.
Natural gas is expected to backstop during this refurbishment.