Revealed: Number of nuclear reactors under construction worldwide, 2024

Who Is Building Nuclear Reactors? As of July 2024, the total capacity of nuclear reactors under construction worldwide exceeded 62 gigawatts. Notably, China led the way with approximately 26 gigawatts of capacity, followed by India with 5.4 gigawatts. The global count of nuclear reactors under construction in 2024 stood at 59, with the majority in Asia.

China is significantly increasing its reliance on nuclear power as it shifts away from coal in its economy. The country has 25 reactors under construction and is poised to expand its nuclear capacity by more than 40 percent before 2030. Additionally, India is closely following suit with seven reactors under construction, set to almost double its generation capacity. India’s current reactors use uranium as fuel. However, it’s determined to make a reactor that uses thorium to use its many thorium resources. Thorium isn’t a nuclear material and has great potential as a nuclear fuel. Overall, the Asian continent (ex-Russia) accounts for 39 of the 59 reactors under construction.

Nuclear technology unequivocally harnesses the energy released by splitting the atoms of certain elements. It was developed in the 1940s, focusing only on making bombs during the Second World War. Then, in the 1950s, it quickly focused on the peaceful use of nuclear fission, controlling power generation. As of July 2024, there are 416 operational power reactors worldwide, with an unwavering combined electrical capacity of 374.6 GW. Also, there are 59 reactors under construction and 92 reactors planned. The combined capacity of these reactors is 61 GW and 90 GW, respectively. Undoubtedly, 343 more reactors are proposed.

Number of nuclear reactors under construction worldwide, 2024

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