Knowledge Tree
nuclear reactors
Also known as: nuclear power reactors
Facts (39)
Sources
The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment ... nationalacademies.org 8 facts
measurementMore than 70 percent of currently operating nuclear reactors have received U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC) approval to operate for 20 years beyond their original 40-year license.
measurementAs of 2016, 444 nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 388 GW in 31 countries provide more than 11 percent of the world’s electricity.
measurementThere are 63 nuclear reactors (62 GW) currently under construction globally, which represents the highest total in 25 years.
measurementThe United States currently operates approximately 100 nuclear power reactors, which are largely amortized after 30 or more years of operation and provide competitive, low-cost electricity to the grid.
claimFive operating nuclear reactors in the United States have recently closed or are scheduled to close soon, and additional unannounced retirements may occur in the near future.
claimThe United States has four new nuclear reactors under construction and one additional reactor being completed after a long delay, but there are no firm plans to build further nuclear capacity to replace the existing fleet, nor does the nation have a strategy for sustaining or expanding nuclear energy generation.
measurementThe International Energy Agency projects that almost 200 nuclear reactors will be retired before 2040.
measurementThere are 509 nuclear reactors (372 GW) on order or in the planning stages globally, with 60 percent of this capacity located in China, Russia, India, and South Korea, and China alone accounting for more than one-third of this total.
Congressional testimony of Bob Perciasepe on advanced nuclear ... c2es.org Jun 4, 2019 8 facts
referenceThe May 2018 report by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions concludes that targeted state policies, specifically zero emission credit (ZEC) programs, are the best option for supporting existing distressed nuclear reactors.
claimThe U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecast for nuclear generation assumes that remaining nuclear reactors will operate for up to 80 years, accounting for known plant retirements.
measurementThe 99 currently operational nuclear reactors in the U.S. avoid the emission of 320 million to 578 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year.
measurementThe annual carbon dioxide emissions avoided by U.S. nuclear reactors equal between one-fifth and one-third of the emissions produced by the entire fossil-fired portion of the U.S. electric generating sector.
claimMaintaining existing nuclear reactors and extending their operational life up to 80 years prevents short- and medium-term increases in emissions while allowing time to deploy renewables, energy efficiency, energy storage, advanced nuclear, and fossil fuel-fired electricity with carbon capture and storage.
claimIf existing U.S. nuclear reactors operate for up to 80 years, combined U.S. zero-carbon generation will continue to grow through 2050.
claimWhile most profitable nuclear facilities are expected to apply for second license renewals, some reactors are unlikely to run for 40 years due to short-term economic challenges.
claimThe premature retirement of any U.S. nuclear reactors makes it more difficult to achieve air pollution, emissions, and climate goals.
What Role Does Nuclear Energy Play in the Race to Net Zero? earth.org Jul 19, 2023 4 facts
claimNuclear reactors globally have accumulated over 18,000 years of operational experience and have undergone significant safety and risk management advancements.
claimMost nations currently constructing new nuclear reactors are already established nuclear powers.
claimKeeping existing nuclear reactors open prevents capacity losses and avoids the replacement of nuclear power with fossil fuel-based energy.
measurementThe World Nuclear Association reports that in 2020, there were 443 operable nuclear reactors globally with a combined capacity of 394 gigawatts (GW), which supplied approximately 10% of global electricity.
Nuclear Energy and Climate Change Mitigation everycrsreport.com Apr 1, 2025 4 facts
measurementAs of June 19, 2025, the World Nuclear Association reports that there are 19 nuclear reactors in Japan that are indefinitely closed but could potentially restart.
referenceThe Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) maintains information regarding the status of subsequent license renewal applications for nuclear reactors, with the latest update noted on February 7, 2024.
claimNuclear reactors other than light water reactors may use different coolants and moderators.
claimIn nuclear reactors, non-fissile U-238 absorbs neutrons and transforms into plutonium, which can subsequently fission to release energy.
A Critical Disconnect: Relying on Nuclear Energy in ... energypolicy.columbia.edu Jul 6, 2023 4 facts
claimThe nuclear industry's ability to build new reactors depends on keeping construction reasonably close to planned schedules and costs, and on governments making progress in the disposition of nuclear waste.
claimThe construction of new nuclear reactors is contingent upon the nuclear industry's ability to maintain construction schedules and costs, as well as government progress in the disposition of nuclear waste.
claimCapital investment is required to maintain existing nuclear reactor fleets, specifically for safety equipment upgrades, the implementation of new advanced nuclear fuels with greater safety margins, and the replacement or refurbishment of aging equipment.
claimCapital requirements for maintaining the existing fleet of nuclear reactors include funding for safety equipment upgrades, new advanced nuclear fuels with greater safety margins, and the replacement or refurbishment of aging equipment.
Clean Energy Solutions Must Include Nuclear | ClearPath clearpath.org 3 facts
measurementThe five nuclear reactors announced for closure in Ohio and Pennsylvania generate more emissions-free electricity than the combined wind and solar generation capacity within the PJM regional transmission organization, which covers parts or all of 13 states.
measurementOperators of 12 additional nuclear reactors in the United States have announced plans for premature shutdowns.
claimThe U.S. fleet of 98 operating nuclear reactors has maintained a record of reliability and performance while operating under a highly regulated environment with exacting safety standards.
The role of nuclear energy in mitigating climate change oecd-nea.org Dec 13, 2021 3 facts
measurementThere are 444 nuclear reactors operating across 30 countries.
claimRefurbishments and long-term operation of existing nuclear reactors could displace up to 50 gigatonnes of cumulative carbon emissions between 2020 and 2050.
claimNew builds of large-scale nuclear energy reactors could displace 23 gigatonnes of carbon emissions between 2020 and 2050 by replacing fossil power generation.
Could Advanced Reactors Make Carbon Capture Systems More ... energy.gov Sep 7, 2023 2 facts
claimSolid direct air capture systems can utilize low-temperature heat from nuclear reactors, while liquid direct air capture systems could potentially utilize high-temperature heat from sodium-cooled fast reactors and very high temperature reactors.
claimNuclear reactors provide large amounts of carbon-free and constant electricity output, which benefits direct air capture systems.
Nuclear energy's role in global decarbonization efforts catf.us Jan 20, 2023 1 fact
claimPolicymakers need to engage with stakeholders to fast-track and clarify the licensing process for new nuclear reactors to avoid delays in reaching net-zero goals.
How Nuclear Power Supports Decarbonization Goals - LinkedIn linkedin.com 1 fact
claimTraditional nuclear reactors generate electricity as their primary output and heat as a byproduct.
Chapter: 5 Beyond Electricity: Nuclear Power's Potential to Play a ... nationalacademies.org 1 fact
claimHydrogen production provides the most credible non-electric revenue stream for nuclear reactors because hydrogen is likely to have value across the industrial, power, and transportation sectors for deep decarbonization.