Nuclear power is experiencing a global resurgence nearly 40 years after the Chernobyl disaster, with energy security concerns and climate goals driving renewed interest in atomic energy worldwide.

Currently, over 400 nuclear reactors operate across 31 countries, with approximately 70 more under construction. Nuclear power generates about 10% of the world's electricity and accounts for roughly a quarter of all low-carbon power sources. Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, said conflicts in the Middle East have accelerated this trend, noting that nuclear power is increasingly viewed as a secure electricity generation system.

The United States leads global nuclear power production with 94 operational reactors, representing about 30% of worldwide nuclear electricity generation. The U.S. aims to quadruple its nuclear capacity by 2050. China operates 61 reactors and is constructing nearly 40 more, positioning itself to potentially surpass the U.S. as the global leader in nuclear capacity.

Europe has undergone a significant policy shift regarding nuclear energy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged that reducing nuclear capacity was a "strategic mistake" and outlined new initiatives to encourage power plant construction. Nuclear energy's share of European electricity has declined from about one-third in 1990 to approximately 15% today. France remains heavily dependent on nuclear power, generating nearly 70% of its electricity from 57 reactors across 19 plants.

Several countries have reversed previous phase-out policies. Belgium repealed legislation mandating reactor closures and extended plant lifespans, while Japan has restarted 15 reactors following safety reviews after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Germany, however, maintained its nuclear phase-out, shutting down its final three reactors in 2023.

Russia has emerged as a major exporter of nuclear technology, building 20 reactors globally and signing construction contracts in multiple countries. The country operates 34 reactors domestically, including eight of the same type involved in the Chernobyl accident, though these have undergone extensive safety modifications. Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, attributed the current momentum to growing recognition that reliable, low-carbon electricity will be essential to meet rising global energy demand.