Global nuclear reactor numbers decline as Taiwan ends phaseout

Only 11 countries are currently building reactors.


The number of operating nuclear reactors worldwide fell slightly in 2025, with Taiwan completing its nuclear phaseout, according to World Nuclear Industry Status Report.

At least 404 nuclear reactors were operating worldwide as of 1 January 2026, five fewer than a year earlier. Only 11 countries are currently building reactors, down from 16 just two years ago.

In 2025, four new reactors totalling 4.4 gigawatts (GW) came online—two in China, one in India, and one in Russia—whilst seven reactors with a combined 2.8 GW were permanently closed, including Taiwan’s final unit.

The closure, alongside three reactors in Belgium and three in Russia, made 2025 the largest net reduction in operating units since 2012.

Europe’s nuclear fleet fell below 100 reactors for the first time, totalling 98 units, whilst China dominates global construction with 36 of the 66 reactors currently being built worldwide.

Outside China, the number of reactors under construction remains stable, with most projects managed by nuclear-armed states or their companies.

Only eight of the 31 countries operating nuclear plants are currently building new ones, with newcomer nations such as Bangladesh, Egypt, and Türkiye constructing their first reactors—mostly through Russian-led projects.