The World's Biggest Nuclear Energy Producers (TWh)

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18 Apr 2024

Nuclear power remains a significant contributor to the global energy mix, providing around 30% of the world's low-carbon electricity. While some countries are phasing out nuclear energy, others are actively expanding their programs.

This article explores the top producers of nuclear energy based on Terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity generated in 2022 (figures may vary slightly depending on the data source).

U.S.: 772 TWh
China: 383
France: 363
Russia: 208
South Korea: 150
Canada: 87
Ukraine: 81
Germany: 65
Japan: 61
Spain: 5
Sweden: 51
Belgium: 48
UK: 42
India: 40
Czech Republic: 29
Other: 219
Total: 2,653

Data updated August 2022 and covers 2021 year.

The United States Reigns Supreme

The United States takes the crown as the world's biggest producer of nuclear energy, generating a whopping 772 TWh in 2022. This translates to nearly 30% of global nuclear energy output. Despite this impressive production, nuclear power only accounts for about 20% of America's total electricity supply.
This highlights a trend – some leading producers like the US rely heavily on other sources like natural gas and coal for a larger share of their electricity needs.

China's Rapid Expansion

China holds the second spot with 383 TWh of nuclear energy production. Notably, China has witnessed a remarkable surge in its nuclear capabilities over the past decade.
This rapid growth reflects China's commitment to diversifying its energy mix and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

France: A Leader in Nuclear Reliance

France stands out for its dependence on nuclear energy. It generates a staggering 60% of its electricity from nuclear power plants, ranking third in total production at 363 TWh in 2022.

This heavy reliance on nuclear energy stems from several factors, including a historical focus on nuclear development and a limited supply of domestic fossil fuels.

Russia Rounds Out the Top Four

Russia secures the fourth position with 208 TWh of nuclear energy production. The state-owned nuclear company Rosatom plays a crucial role in Russia's nuclear program, not only for domestic energy generation but also for nuclear technology exports.

Rounding Out the Top Ten

Following the top four, South Korea (150 TWh), Canada (87 TWh), Ukraine (81 TWh), Germany (65 TWh), Japan (61 TWh), and Spain (54 TWh) complete the top ten list of biggest nuclear energy producers.

It's worth noting that Germany, once a major player in nuclear power, has been phasing out its nuclear program in recent years, with the last plant scheduled to close by the end of 2022.

Several other countries contribute significantly to global nuclear energy production. These include Sweden (51 TWh), Belgium (48 TWh), the United Kingdom (42 TWh), India (40 TWh), and the Czech Republic (29 TWh). The remaining countries, grouped under "Other" in our statistics, collectively produced 219 TWh of nuclear energy in 2022.

The Future of Nuclear Power

The future of nuclear energy remains a topic of debate. While some countries are moving away from nuclear power due to safety concerns and waste disposal challenges, others see it as a crucial tool in the fight against climate change.

Advancements in nuclear technology, such as next-generation reactors designed to be safer and produce less waste, could play a role in shaping the future of this energy source.

Conclusion

The United States currently leads the pack in terms of total nuclear energy production, followed by China and France. While the reliance on nuclear power varies significantly across countries, it remains a vital source of low-carbon electricity for many nations. As the world grapples with climate change, the role of nuclear energy in the global energy mix will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of discussion and development.