How many new nuclear plants are planned worldwide?
ANuclear power capacity worldwide is increasing steadily but not dramatically, with about 30 reactors under construction in 12 countries. Today, there are some 439 nuclear power reactors operating in 30 countries plus Taiwan. In 2006, these provided about 16 percent of the world’s electricity. About 34 power reactors are currently being constructed in 11 countries, notably China, South Korea, Japan and Russia. Most reactors on order or planned are in the Asian region, although plans are firming for new units in Europe, the U.S. and Russia. The International Atomic Energy Agency has significantly increased its projection of world nuclear generating capacity. It now anticipates at least 60 new plants in the next 15 years, 16 percent more than actually operating in 2006. The change is based on specific plans and actions in a number of countries, including China, India, Russia, Finland and France, coupled with the changed outlook due to the Kyoto Protocol. This would give nuclear power a 1
