When we talk about nuclear energy, the danger of nuclear weapons and geopolitical tensions come to mind, but there is another aspect of this technology that directly affects our daily lives, which is the production of electricity.

Despite the strength of China and Russia in nuclear energy, the United States remains in the lead as the world’s largest nuclear energy producer, far ahead of its competitors.

According to data from the US Energy Information Administration, the United States produced about 782 gigawatt-hours of nuclear electricity in 2024, representing 19% of the total electricity produced domestically, and about 30% of global nuclear energy production.

In contrast, China produced just over 433 GWh in 2023, representing about 5% of its electricity. As for Russia, it produced 271 gigawatt-hours, but it relies on nuclear energy at an almost identical rate to the United States, i.e. 19% of its total production.

American superiority in the number of reactors and operational capabilities

The United States has 94 reactors distributed among 54 nuclear plants, with a net operating capacity of 97 gigawatts.

While China has 57 reactors with a capacity of 55 gigawatts, followed by Russia with 36 reactors with a capacity of 27 gigawatts.

This superiority in numbers and operational capacity enhances the position of the United States as the largest producer of nuclear energy in the world, especially since it is the oldest country in operating nuclear energy since the 1950s.

France…an advanced technical competitor with the highest adoption rate in the world

Although the United States, China and Russia are among the largest producers of nuclear energy, France also plays a pivotal role.

France ranks second globally in terms of net capacity, with 55 reactors with a capacity of 63 GW, surpassing China despite the same number of reactors.

In 2023, France produced more than 320 gigawatt-hours of nuclear electricity, representing about 65% of its total needs – the highest adoption in the world, and more than double that of the United States.

France has also achieved achievements in the field of innovation, as in 2025 it set a record by running a stable nuclear fusion reaction for 22 continuous minutes.

Why is the demand for nuclear energy increasing?

Nuclear energy has advantages that make it an attractive option for countries seeking to secure stable, low-emission energy sources. The most prominent of these advantages are:

  • High production capacity compared to coal and natural gas
  • Less maintenance and fuel are required, extending periods of continuous operation
  • Low emissions and an important role in reducing pollution
  • High reliability and the ability to supply large areas with energy around the clock

But despite these advantages, risks still exist. Nuclear energy faces major environmental and security concerns, as reactors produce dangerous radioactive waste that may threaten nearby communities for decades. Nuclear meltdown incidents – although rare – cause devastating effects on humans, air and water.

Therefore, countries rely on advanced safety systems and strict regulations to reduce the possibility of disasters as much as possible.