Planned global nuclear power reactor additions 2023, by country
Nuclear reactors
Nuclear reactors are used to start and control a nuclear chain reaction in power plants. The heat from the reaction is transferred to a working fluid which in turn runs through turbines for both electricity generation and ship propulsion. Nuclear reactors can also be used in the creation of isotopes for medical or industrial purposes, as well as for weapons production.The mean construction time for global nuclear reactors completed between 2012 and 2021 averaged nine years, ranging from a minimum of six in China to a maximum of 43 in the United States.
Nuclear power reactors worldwide
While China and Russia had the largest number of planned nuclear reactors as of May 2023, the United States reported the largest number of operable nuclear reactors at the time, with 93 units. China ranked third, with 55 reactors, just behind France.In terms of nuclear reactors under construction, China led the ranking, with 21 units as of June 2023.