This statistic represents the global number of permanent nuclear reactor shutdowns as of 2017, by reason. Following political decisions or considerations, 36 reactors were decommissioned. Early nuclear plants were designed for a life of about 30 years, whereas newer plants are designed for an operating life between 40 to 60 years.
Number of permanent nuclear reactor shutdowns worldwide as of September 2017, by reason*
Age of the reactors
Number of shutdowns
Purpose fulfilled or no longer economic to run
115
Political decision or consideration
36
Damage in an accident or serious incident
12
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World Nuclear Association. (September 8, 2017). Number of permanent nuclear reactor shutdowns worldwide as of September 2017, by reason* [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved April 12, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/785761/number-of-nuclear-reactors-shut-down-by-reason-worldwide/
World Nuclear Association. "Number of permanent nuclear reactor shutdowns worldwide as of September 2017, by reason*." Chart. September 8, 2017. Statista. Accessed April 12, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/785761/number-of-nuclear-reactors-shut-down-by-reason-worldwide/
World Nuclear Association. (2017). Number of permanent nuclear reactor shutdowns worldwide as of September 2017, by reason*. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: April 12, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/785761/number-of-nuclear-reactors-shut-down-by-reason-worldwide/
World Nuclear Association. "Number of Permanent Nuclear Reactor Shutdowns Worldwide as of September 2017, by Reason*." Statista, Statista Inc., 8 Sep 2017, https://www.statista.com/statistics/785761/number-of-nuclear-reactors-shut-down-by-reason-worldwide/
World Nuclear Association, Number of permanent nuclear reactor shutdowns worldwide as of September 2017, by reason* Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/785761/number-of-nuclear-reactors-shut-down-by-reason-worldwide/ (last visited April 12, 2025)
Number of permanent nuclear reactor shutdowns worldwide as of September 2017, by reason* [Graph], World Nuclear Association, September 8, 2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/785761/number-of-nuclear-reactors-shut-down-by-reason-worldwide/
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