The number of operating nuclear power reactors in the world dropped by nine over the past year to 408 as of mid-2020, below the level already reached in 1988 and 30 units below the historic peak of 438 in 2002, according to an independent report.
One more reactor has begun operation since the report was written, bringing the total as of September to 409.
The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2020 said the “big five” nuclear generating countries – the US, France, China, Russia and South Korea – again generated 70% of all nuclear electricity in 2019.
It said two countries, the US and France, accounted for 45% of 2019 global nuclear production. This was two percentage points lower than in 2018 as France’s output shrank by 3.5%.
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