Planned global nuclear power reactor additions 2022, by country

As of May 2022, there were 95 nuclear reactors planned worldwide. China recorded the largest figure at the time, with 33 units. Russia followed in close second, with 27 planned nuclear reactors.

Nuclear reactors

Formerly called atomic piles, 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.

Nuclear power reactors worldwide

While China and Russia had the largest number of planned nuclear reactors as of May 2022, the United States reported the largest number of operable nuclear reactors at the time, with 92 units. China ranked third, with 54 reactors, just behind France. Roughly half of operating reactors around the world have been running for 35 years or more.

In terms of nuclear reactors under construction, China led the ranking, with 15 units as of May 2022. The construction of nuclear reactors usually spans several years.