After years of stagnation in parts of Europe and North America, the global nuclear industry is seeing a surge in new construction and policy reversals.
As of early 2026, there are approximately 437 to 440 operable power reactors spread across 31 countries. These reactors have a combined total net capacity of roughly 400,581 megawatts electric. Beyond these operational units, there are currently 79 reactors under construction globally, which will add over 85,000 megawatts of capacity once they are completed.
The distribution of these reactors shows a significant shift toward the East. While the United States and France remain the leaders in total operational capacity, China and India are the leaders in new construction. This growth in countries with nuclear power is part of a broader trend where nuclear energy provides over 20% of the world’s low-carbon electricity. This contribution is vital for preventing over one gigatonne of carbon dioxide emissions every year.
Note: This guide breaks down the top 10 countries with nuclear power using the latest 2025–2026 data from major authorities like the International Atomic Energy Agency and World Nuclear Association. For more information, read our guide on What Is Nuclear Energy?
Defining Countries With Nuclear Power
When we ask “How many countries have nuclear power?” it is important to understand the different ways a nation can be categorized.
A nuclear power country can be defined by its operational reactors, its construction pipeline, or its long-term policy goals.
Note: Some nations use nuclear energy strictly for civilian electricity, while others maintain a dual focus on civilian and military applications.
- Operational Nuclear Nations
These are the 31 countries with nuclear power that currently have at least one nuclear reactor connected to their grid. These nations rely on nuclear energy for a portion of their daily electricity needs. For example, France relies on it for nearly 70% of its power, while the United States has the highest number of total reactors.
- Nations Under Construction
Several countries are currently in the process of building their very first nuclear power plants. These include nations like Turkey, Bangladesh, and Egypt. While they do not yet have operational capacity, they are heavily invested in the nuclear sector and are expected to join the list of operational countries by the late 2020s.
- Planned and Proposed Programs
Many other nations have established formal nuclear energy policies but have not yet broken ground on construction. Poland, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan are notable examples. These countries are often driven by the need to replace aging coal fleets or to reduce their dependence on natural gas imports.
List Of Countries With Nuclear Power: Top 10
The following rankings of the top nuclear power countries reflect the operational capacity and reactor counts as of the 2025 to 2026 period, according to Statistica, PRIS, and EIA. These nations represent the core of global nuclear generation, with the top five countries powering 71% of the world’s nuclear generation capacity.
| Country | Operational Reactors | Net Capacity (GW) | % Electricity from Nuclear | Reactors Under Construction | Key Strength |
| 1. United States | 94 | ~95 GW | ~18–19% | 0–2 | Largest nuclear producer globally; highest output |
| 2. China | 61 | ~57 GW | ~5% | 37-39 | Fastest-growing nuclear program worldwide |
| 3. France | 57 | ~61 GW | ~65–70% | 1–2 | Highest reliance on nuclear energy |
| 4. Russia | 34 | ~28 GW | ~18–20% | 4–5 | Global leader in nuclear exports (via Rosatom) |
| 5. South Korea | 26 | ~25 GW | ~30–32% | 2 | Major exporter of nuclear technology |
| 6. India | 24 | ~7.5 GW | ~3–4% | 6-8 | Rapid expansion; unique thorium program |
| 7. Canada | 17 | ~13.5 GW | ~14–15% | 0 | Leader in SMR development & reactor refurbishment |
| 8. Ukraine | 15 | ~13 GW | ~50–55% | 2 | High dependency despite geopolitical challenges |
| 9. Japan | 14 (operating) | ~13 GW | ~9–10% | 0 | Restarting fleet post-Fukushima |
| 10. United Kingdom | 9 | ~6.5 GW | ~12–13% | 3-4 | Long-term expansion toward net-zero |
1. United States
The United States remains the No. 1 undisputed capacity leader among countries with nuclear power. With 94 operational nuclear reactors, it generates more nuclear electricity than any other nation. Nuclear energy provides about 18.2% of the total electricity in the U.S.. The fleet maintains an average capacity factor of over 92%, meaning the plants run at nearly full power almost all the time.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated in late 2025 that commercial nuclear power is essential to provide the immense baseload electric power required for the artificial intelligence revolution. The U.S. government has set a goal to add 300 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity by 2050.
2. China
China is the world’s fastest-growing nuclear power. As of 2026, China has 61 operational nuclear reactors and a world-leading 39 reactors currently under construction. China is on track to surpass the United States as the world’s largest nuclear power producer by 2030. Its total nuclear footprint, including units approved for construction, has reached 125 million kilowatts.
3. France
France holds the highest percentage of domestic electricity generated by nuclear power. Approximately 67.3% of French electricity comes from its 57 operational reactors. France is the world’s largest net exporter of electricity. The government has adjusted its policy to target a 50% nuclear share by 2035, which involves building at least six new large-scale reactors.
4. Russia
Russia operates 34 nuclear reactors with a total capacity of around 27,870 megawatts. Nuclear energy provides nearly 18% of Russia’s electricity. Russia is the largest exporter of nuclear generating tech in the world, with the state corporation Rosatom accounting for over 90% of the world’s international nuclear construction projects.
5. South Korea
South Korea operates 26 nuclear reactors, providing 31.7% of the country’s electricity. The nation is a prominent exporter of nuclear technology, recently completing the Barakah plant in the United Arab Emirates. South Korea has reversed previous phase-out plans and aims for nuclear power to provide one-third of its power by 2030.
6. India
India has 24 operational nuclear reactors and 8 more under construction. While nuclear power currently provides 3.3% of India’s electricity, the government is expanding rapidly to meet massive industrial demand. India is unique for its three-stage program designed to eventually use thorium as fuel.
7. Canada
Canada operates 17 nuclear reactors, providing roughly 15% of its electricity. The industry is currently focused on the massive refurbishment of existing reactors to extend their life into the 2060s. Canada is also a leader in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).
8. Ukraine
Ukraine is heavily dependent on its 15 operational reactors, which provide over 50% of its electricity. Despite the ongoing conflict, nuclear energy remains the backbone of Ukraine’s grid. The IAEA maintains a continuous presence at all Ukrainian nuclear sites to ensure safety.
9. Japan
Japan continues its strategic comeback among countries with nuclear power. As of 2026, 14 nuclear reactors are back in operation, though 33 are considered operable pending restarts. Nuclear power provides about 10% of Japan’s electricity. The government views nuclear energy as a key tool for reaching its 2050 carbon neutrality goal.
10. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom operates 9 nuclear reactors, providing about 12.3% of its electricity. The UK aims to increase its nuclear capacity to 24 gigawatts by 2050 to achieve net zero emissions. Construction is currently underway on the Hinkley Point C project to replace retiring units.
Emerging Nuclear Nations in 2026
The number of countries with nuclear power is set to increase in the coming years as several nations complete their first plants. These emerging programs are often supported by the IAEA through the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) missions.
- United Arab Emirates: The UAE is the newest addition to the list of operational nuclear countries. It now has four reactors providing over 20% of its electricity.
- Turkey: Turkey is currently constructing four reactors at its Akkuyu site, with the first unit expected to come online soon.
- Egypt: Egypt is building a four-unit plant at El Dabaa with Russian assistance. It will be the largest industrial project in the country.
- Bangladesh: Bangladesh is constructing its first two reactors at the Rooppur site, which are expected to start operating by 2026 or 2027.
Countries Phasing Out Nuclear Energy
While most countries with nuclear power are expanding their capacity, some have chosen to reduce or eliminate their reliance on the technology. These decisions are often driven by policy shifts or public concerns about safety.
- Germany: Germany completed its nuclear phase-out in 2023. It had previously obtained about one quarter of its electricity from 17 reactors but chose to shut them down following the Fukushima accident.
- Taiwan: Taiwan completed its nuclear phase-out in May 2025 when its last commercial reactor was shut down upon the expiration of its license.
- Belgium: Belgium had originally planned to phase out nuclear energy by 2025. However, it recently repealed this law and postponed the deadline to 2035 to ensure energy security.
Global Snapshot of Nuclear Power in 2026
| Global Nuclear Power Statistics | 2025-2026 Data |
| Total Operable Reactors | 438 |
| Total Net Capacity (MWe) | 400,581 |
| Reactors Under Construction | 79 |
| Reactors Planned | 124 |
| Reactors Proposed | 311 |
| Uranium Requirements 2025 (Tonnes) | 68,920 |
| Global Electricity Share | ~9% |
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has emphasized that the interest in nuclear power continues to expand across both countries and technology companies.
During his address to the Board of Governors in early 2026, he noted that about 60 countries are now considering introducing nuclear energy into their national power grids.
This expansion is supported by the development of small modular reactors and new international partnerships aimed at decarbonizing heavy industries.
Key Drivers for Adopting Nuclear Power
Nations use nuclear energy for several reasons. These drivers have become even more relevant in 2025 and 2026 as global energy markets face increasing pressure.
- Energy Security and Reliability
Nuclear power plants provide a consistent supply of electricity that is not affected by weather or seasonal changes. This makes it an ideal baseload power source for modern energy grids. Countries like France and South Korea have used nuclear power to achieve energy sovereignty and reduce their reliance on imported gas.
- Decarbonization and Climate Goals
Nuclear energy is a non-renewable, zero-emission source that helps countries meet their net-zero targets. It has prevented approximately 70 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over the last five decades. This is why nuclear power was included in the Global Stocktake at COP28, calling for its accelerated deployment.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation
Nuclear projects are massive economic drivers. They create thousands of high-paying jobs during construction and operation. In the United States, nuclear plant salaries are on average 30% higher than local averages. These plants also serve as “economic magnets” for companies looking for reliable and clean power.
The Future of Global Nuclear Power
The future of countries with nuclear power will likely be defined by technological innovation and new international coalitions. The World Nuclear Association advocates for a significant expansion of nuclear power to reach Net Zero goals. If national government targets are met, global capacity could reach over 1,400 gigawatts by 2050.
One of the most exciting developments is the maturation of small modular reactors (SMRs). These reactors are smaller and can be built in factories, which should help to reduce costs and construction times. Additionally, the IAEA is launching the ATLAS project to explore nuclear power for maritime vessels, which could further expand the use of nuclear technology.
Conclusion: The Clean Energy Future
The strategic value of being one of the countries with nuclear power has never been higher. From the United States to the United Kingdom, these top 10 nuclear power countries are leveraging the power of the atom to ensure a clean, reliable, and secure energy future. While challenges like high construction costs and waste management remain, the global commitment to expanding nuclear capacity is accelerating. As more reactors come online through 2026 and beyond, nuclear power will continue to be a critical pillar of the global energy mix.
Maria Isabel Rodrigues
