Nuclear Power in Developing Countries

1. Throughout its 52-year history nuclear power has been mainly used in industrialized countries. Of the world’s 441 currently operating nuclear power reactors, 403 (or 91%) are in either OECD countries or countries with economies in transition. In terms of electrical generating capacity, 349 GW(e) out of 368 GW(e), or 95% of nuclear generating capacity is installed in these countries. In terms of new construction, however, the pattern is largely reversed. Sixteen of the 27 new reactors under construction (59%), and 11.1 GW(e) out of 21.8 GW(e) (51%), are in developing countries. The most ambitious plans for nuclear expansion are in China and India. China, with three nuclear power plants (NPPs) under construction at the end of 2005, plans to expand nuclear capacity from 6.6 GW(e) today to 40 GW(e) by 2020. India, with eight NPPs under construction, plans to expand from 3 GW(e) to 29 GW(e) by 2022. Pakistan, with 425 MW(e) and one plant under construction at the end of 2005, plans to add approximately 8 GW(e) by 2030.