According to data compiled from the International Energy Agency (IEA), between 2020 and 2024, all 38 nuclear reactors that began construction globally were based on designs from these two countries. Of these, 23 followed Chinese designs, while 15 were Russian.
Construction starts for new nuclear reactors saw a significant uptick in 2024, rising by 50% compared to 2023. A total of nine reactors began construction, projected to add 11 gigawatts (GW) of capacity once completed.
China led with six new projects, and Pakistan initiated its first third-generation advanced reactor of Chinese design—the first of its kind outside China—bringing the total to seven projects, highlighting Beijing's expanding influence in nuclear technology.
Russia and Egypt each started construction on one reactor, both based on Russian designs.
In 2023, six reactors were initiated, five with Chinese and one with Russian designs. In 2022, eight reactors began construction, five Russian and three Chinese. In 2021, 10 projects started, six Russian and four Chinese. In 2020, five projects were launched, four using Chinese and one Russian design.
62 reactors under construction across 15 countries
As of February 2025, a total of 62 nuclear reactors are under construction across 15 countries, with a combined capacity of nearly 70 GW.
China is responsible for nearly half of this capacity, further solidifying its market leadership.
As China's nuclear fleet expands, contributing over 33 GW of new capacity, the global energy landscape is poised for a significant transformation in the coming decades.
Countries such as Egypt, India, and Türkiye each have about 5 GW of nuclear capacity under construction, while Japan, South Korea, the UK, and Slovakia contribute with 9.5 GW.
Global nuclear capacity surged by more than 7 GW in 2024
Global nuclear energy capacity surged by more than 7 GW in 2024, pushing total installed capacity to 420 GW.
The completion of six large-scale nuclear projects in 2024 reflects this growing trend.
Two reactors were completed in China, while France, India, the UAE, and the US each added one reactor, during that time.
(Anadolu Agency, April 1, 2025)