As of June 2023, there were 57 nuclear reactors under construction worldwide. China ranked first with 21 units. It was followed by India, with eight reactors under construction at the time. In the previous year, five nuclear reactors were permanently shut down worldwide.
Life cycle of nuclear reactors
With the average age of over 200 operable nuclear reactors worldwide surpassing 30 years, some reactors are set to retire soon. Most nuclear plants have an operating lifetime between 20 and 40 years. However, it is possible to replace major reactor components and some countries have renewed licenses to extend the lifetime of existing plants.
Future of nuclear reactors
The majority of planned new nuclear capacity is in Asia. This includes new plants, as well as the upgrade of existing facilities. The construction and planning of new nuclear power reactors is essential to the safety of their operation. Methodical planning in plant design, materials, and labor ensures the success of the nuclear project. Nevertheless, the time required for the construction of nuclear reactors can vary largely, averaging at some seven years.
Number of nuclear reactors under construction worldwide as of June 2023, by country
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IAEA. (June 8, 2023). Number of nuclear reactors under construction worldwide as of June 2023, by country [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved July 03, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/513671/number-of-under-construction-nuclear-reactors-worldwide/
IAEA. "Number of nuclear reactors under construction worldwide as of June 2023, by country." Chart. June 8, 2023. Statista. Accessed July 03, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/513671/number-of-under-construction-nuclear-reactors-worldwide/
IAEA. (2023). Number of nuclear reactors under construction worldwide as of June 2023, by country. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: July 03, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/513671/number-of-under-construction-nuclear-reactors-worldwide/
IAEA. "Number of Nuclear Reactors under Construction Worldwide as of June 2023, by Country." Statista, Statista Inc., 8 Jun 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/513671/number-of-under-construction-nuclear-reactors-worldwide/
IAEA, Number of nuclear reactors under construction worldwide as of June 2023, by country Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/513671/number-of-under-construction-nuclear-reactors-worldwide/ (last visited July 03, 2024)
Number of nuclear reactors under construction worldwide as of June 2023, by country [Graph], IAEA, June 8, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/513671/number-of-under-construction-nuclear-reactors-worldwide/