World Nuclear Performance 2024
In a world grappling with the urgency of climate goals and clean energy transitions, the World Nuclear Performance Report 2024, produced by the World Nuclear Association, presents a compelling narrative on the global nuclear industry’s role in reducing emissions and enhancing energy security. Through facts, case studies, and country-specific insights, the report highlights nuclear energy’s capacity to deliver dependable, carbon-free power and keep pace with rising global electricity demands.
Nuclear’s Vital Statistics: Performance on a Global Scale
The global nuclear fleet’s performance remained robust in 2023, producing over 2,600 TWh of electricity and meeting around 9% of global energy needs. This was an increase of 58 TWh from the previous year, partly boosted by the return of French reactors, which added 42 TWh following previous outages. Despite a slight reduction in the global nuclear capacity—down to 392 GWe from 393 GWe—the industry continued to exhibit strong reliability.
The average capacity factor of nuclear reactors climbed to 81.5%, marking the resilience of nuclear energy in delivering uninterrupted power to the grid. Notably, nuclear energy was responsible for preventing the release of 2.1 billion tonnes of CO₂ in 2023, an equivalent to the annual emissions of most large nations, surpassed only by China, India, and the United States.
Key Developments: New Reactors, Extensions, and Shutdowns
The year 2023 saw notable changes in nuclear operations globally. While five reactors were permanently shut down, including the last three reactors in Germany as part of its phase-out policy, five new reactors were connected to the grid. These included reactors in diverse locations like China, Slovakia, the USA, Belarus, and South Korea. The USA witnessed a milestone with Vogtle 3, the first reactor to complete construction in over 40 years.
Six new reactors also began construction—five in China and one in Egypt—underscoring Asia’s lead in nuclear expansion. Currently, 64 reactors are under construction worldwide, with more than two-thirds located in Asia, including 30 in China alone. A joint declaration signed by 25 countries at the COP28 conference in Dubai aims to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, a goal that emphasizes the need for aggressive nuclear development as a response to global energy and climate demands.
Case Studies in Nuclear Resilience and Innovation
The report features remarkable case studies that showcase the innovation and commitment to extending the lifespan and efficiency of nuclear facilities across different regions.
Reviving Palisades in the USA: The Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan, shut down after 50 years of operation, is undergoing an ambitious revival by Holtec. Backed by a $1.52 billion conditional loan from the US Department of Energy, Palisades’ return to service involves rehiring 225 professionals, rebuilding training facilities, and preparing the plant for operation by 2025. The facility, which could operate until 2051 with additional licensing, supports around 600 full-time jobs, providing a significant economic boost to southwest Michigan.
South Korea’s Long-Term Commitment to Nuclear: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) is working to extend the operating lifespans of ten reactors, which together contribute 32% of South Korea’s nuclear capacity. With permits set to expire by 2029, KHNP is implementing safety assessments, hiring skilled personnel, and collaborating with specialized firms to ensure safe and timely refurbishments. The project aligns with South Korea’s goals of maintaining energy security and meeting its 2030 climate commitments.
Power Upgrades in Czechia: The Czech nuclear plant at Dukovany recently completed a 2.3% power uprate, marking the second phase of a long-term program aimed at maximizing capacity. With further upgrades planned for 2024 and 2025, the initiative seeks to bring the combined output of Dukovany and Temelín plants to 32 TWh annually by 2030, supporting the country’s long-term energy strategy.
Nuclear by Nation: A Global Snapshot
The report’s country pages offer a fascinating breakdown of each nation’s nuclear status, from operable reactors to plans.
Argentina: Argentina operates two nuclear plants, Atucha and Embalse, and is undergoing a significant modernization at Atucha 1, the first nuclear plant in Latin America. The long-term extension project is set to create 2,000 jobs. Atucha 2 returned to service in 2023 following maintenance issues. Meanwhile, the CAREM25 small modular reactor (SMR) project, started in 2014, has experienced delays, leading to a design review in 2024.
Armenia: Armenia’s Metsamor plant, the country’s sole nuclear facility, operates one reactor with plans for life extension until 2036. Partnering with Russia, Armenia will modernize Metsamor, and government discussions are underway for building a new reactor to meet future energy demand.
Bangladesh: Bangladesh is making strides with the Rooppur plant, set to become operational by 2025 and projected to meet 9% of national electricity needs. Rooppur’s construction faced COVID-19-related delays, but milestones have been met, including the first nuclear fuel delivery in October 2023.
Belarus: Belarus operates two VVER-1200 reactors at Ostrovets, providing 40% of the country’s electricity. Commercial operation of the second unit began in November 2023, and discussions are underway to build either a second nuclear plant or add a third unit at Ostrovets.
Belgium: Belgium has two nuclear plants—Doel and Tihange—with decisions extending the lifespans of Doel 4 and Tihange 3 until 2035 due to supply concerns. Although extensions for Doel 1&2 and Tihange 1 were explored, regulatory and operational constraints prevented further lifespan extensions.
Brazil: The Angra nuclear plants provide Brazil with 2.2% of the nation’s power. Construction of the delayed Angra 3 reactor resumed after court approvals, though cost concerns remain. Angra 1 is also being considered for a lifetime extension from 40 to 60 years to ensure energy reliability.
Bulgaria: The Kozloduy nuclear plant is Bulgaria’s only operational plant and is set for expansion. Plans include two new AP1000 reactors, while a 10-year deal with Westinghouse to supply fuel for Kozloduy 5 marks Bulgaria’s commitment to enhancing nuclear’s role in the national energy strategy.
Canada: Canada operates 19 reactors, mainly located in Ontario. Refurbishment projects at the Bruce and Darlington plants are in progress, with additional plans for small modular reactors (SMRs) at Darlington and potential deployments in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick.
China: Mainland China’s nuclear sector is expanding rapidly, with 56 operational reactors and 30 more under construction. Recent projects include nuclear heating in industrial settings, such as Haiyang’s steam supply to petrochemical facilities, showcasing nuclear versatility beyond electricity generation.
Czechia: Czechia operates six reactors across two sites, Dukovany and Temelín. The country plans to expand its nuclear share to 50-55% by 2050, supported by reactor modernizations and proposals for additional reactors. ČEZ’s efficiency gains from these modernizations have already saved considerable energy.
Egypt: Egypt is constructing four VVER-1200 reactors at El Dabaa on the Mediterranean coast in partnership with Russia. The El Dabaa project began in 2022, with all units expected to be operational by the late 2020s, marking Egypt’s debut into nuclear energy.
Finland: Finland’s two nuclear plants, Loviisa and Olkiluoto, are set for lifespan extensions. Fortum’s Loviisa units are extended through 2050, while Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) is preparing to extend the lifespans of Olkiluoto units. Finland’s consistent nuclear performance contributes to stable, low-emission electricity generation.
France: France remains a global leader in nuclear energy, with extensive modernization and upgrades across its fleet of 56 reactors. In 2023, reactors returning from maintenance added significantly to overall global nuclear output, reflecting the impact of consistent upkeep on France’s high nuclear capacity factor.
Germany: Germany’s nuclear phase-out policy saw its final three reactors—Emsland, Isar 2, and Neckarwestheim 2—permanently shut down in April 2023. This closure marks Germany’s shift away from nuclear, in line with its long-term renewable energy transition.
Hungary: Hungary operates four VVER-440 reactors at Paks and is advancing a plan to build two VVER-1200 units under the Paks II project, a collaboration with Russia. This expansion supports Hungary’s goal of decarbonizing its energy sector and maintaining energy independence.
India: India has a growing nuclear sector, with two new reactors under construction at the Kudankulam site. Efforts to improve operational efficiency and lifespan extension projects are ongoing across existing reactors, aiming to support India’s expanding energy needs and climate commitments.
Iran: Iran has one operational reactor at Bushehr, and plans for further nuclear expansion have been under discussion. Bushehr’s operations support Iran’s domestic electricity needs and aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Japan: Japan’s nuclear industry is recovering, with nine reactors back in operation and additional units expected to restart after rigorous safety upgrades following the Fukushima incident. Nuclear energy remains integral to Japan’s energy security and decarbonization strategies.
Pakistan: Pakistan operates six reactors across two sites, Chashma and Karachi, with plans to increase nuclear capacity. The Karachi units, developed with China’s Hualong One reactors, represent a significant collaboration supporting Pakistan’s growing energy demands.
Romania: Romania has two reactors at Cernavodă and expansion plans. Canada’s CANDU reactor technology remains central to Romania’s nuclear sector, and the government is exploring options for new CANDU units to enhance energy security.
Russia: Russia continues to be a major nuclear power player, with 11 reactors under construction and a focus on exporting nuclear technology to other countries. Domestic upgrades and new builds, including small modular reactors (SMRs), are core to Russia’s nuclear strategy.
Slovakia: Slovakia operates four reactors and continues construction on Mochovce 4, expected to be operational in 2024. Slovakia’s nuclear energy contributes significantly to national electricity needs, with high capacity factors reflecting reliable performance.
South Africa: South Africa’s Koeberg plant, the only nuclear facility on the continent, is undergoing upgrades to extend its operational life. Nuclear remains a key part of South Africa’s energy mix, contributing to stability amid challenges in the country’s coal sector.
South Korea: South Korea’s nuclear sector includes 24 operational reactors, and KHNP’s extension plans for ten units will ensure stable electricity supply. The government’s 10th Basic Plan emphasizes nuclear’s role in meeting energy security and decarbonization goals.
Sweden: Sweden’s nuclear plants contribute approximately 30% of the country’s electricity. Recent updates to policies and refurbishments across reactors have bolstered Sweden’s nuclear fleet, reinforcing its role in the Nordic clean energy transition.
Switzerland: Switzerland is gradually phasing out nuclear energy, but existing reactors continue to operate until their licenses expire. Nuclear contributes around 33% to Switzerland’s energy mix, supporting its climate goals while transitioning towards renewables.
Taiwan: Taiwan’s remaining reactor at Maanshan is set to shut down by 2025 under the government’s nuclear-free policy. Despite opposition, Taiwan remains committed to phasing out nuclear and expanding renewable sources.
Ukraine: Despite the conflict, Ukraine’s nuclear reactors continue to operate, providing essential power to the grid. Plans to diversify reactor designs and modernize the nuclear fleet are underway, underscoring nuclear’s role in Ukrainian energy security.
United Arab Emirates: The UAE’s Barakah plant, the first nuclear power station in the Arab world, aims to meet up to 25% of the country’s electricity needs. Two reactors are operational, with the remaining two expected online by 2024.
United Kingdom: The UK is progressing with its Hinkley Point C project and exploring small modular reactors as part of its nuclear energy strategy. With aging reactors and decommissioning of older plants, new projects are essential to meet the UK’s future energy targets.
United States: The US nuclear sector remains the largest in the world, with the recent addition of Vogtle 3 marking a historic milestone. With 93 reactors and an extensive program for license renewals, nuclear energy plays a key role in achieving US energy independence and emission reductions.
The Global Status of Nuclear Reactors in 2023
As of the end of 2023, there were 437 operable reactors worldwide, with 61 under construction. Asia led in new nuclear capacity, particularly China, followed by Eastern Europe and Russia. Despite the mixed progress globally, the report emphasizes the need for substantial growth to achieve global decarbonization targets.
Nuclear Energy: A Clean Energy Pillar with Global Support
In her concluding remarks, World Nuclear Association Director General Sama Bilbao y León reinforced the significance of nuclear energy in achieving clean energy goals. With climate urgency mounting and energy demands rising, the nuclear industry stands as a key player. However, substantial policy support and investment are essential to unlock nuclear energy’s full potential and support a carbon-neutral future.