France has the greatest share of nuclear power in total electricity generation worldwide. In 2023, nuclear energy accounted for almost 65 percent of the European country's total electricity production. By comparison, the share of nuclear electricity generation in the United States stood at less than 20 percent. Nuclear power production in France Nuclear power is essential to France’s energy plan, as it meets a significant amount of the country’s electrical needs. In 2024, the monthly nuclear power production in the country varied from 27 to 36 terawatt-hours. France has a sizable fleet of reactors, which helps to maintain a steady supply of electricity while reducing its carbon footprint. Global nuclear landscape The United States holds the highest nuclear power capacity globally, with approximately 97 gigawatts electric across its 94 reactors as of August 2024. France came in second with over 61 gigawatts electric. Worldwide, 59 nuclear reactors are under construction, with China leading with 25 units and India following with seven. Additionally, the global nuclear landscape saw the permanent shutdown of five reactors in the previous year, highlighting ongoing shifts in energy production and policy.

Nuclear energy accounted for a ** percent share of France's total electricity production in 2023. In 2022, this figure dropped to the lowest share of electricity attributed to nuclear energy in France since the *****. However, France was the country with the largest share of nuclear power in the electricity production worldwide.

In 2024, France produced ***** terawatt-hours of nuclear energy, a ** terawatt-hours increase to the previous year. Nuclear electricity generation in France shrunk in 2022, reaching the smallest value in a few decades. Because of some technical issues, France was forced to temporarily shut down part of its nuclear fleet for safety reasons, and the country's monthly nuclear power production declined by almost ** percent between January and August 2022.

Monthly nuclear power production in France reached 38.6 terawatt-hours in January 2025. The monthly nuclear electricity generation was as low as 18 terawatt-hours in August and September 2022 because of planned temporary shut-downs of the French nuclear reactors for maintenance or repair. This was the smallest volume of nuclear electricity produced in France in at least 30 years.

Forecast: Share of Renewable Energy and Nuclear Energy Use in France 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

The size of the France Nuclear Power Reactor Decommissioning Market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 4.00">> 4.00% during the forecast period. Nuclear power reactor decommissioning is the administrative and technical process of safely closing a nuclear facility, such as a nuclear power plant, after its operational life has ended. This involves several key steps: planning, decontamination, dismantling, and managing radioactive materials. The primary goal is to reduce residual radioactivity to a level that permits the release of the property and termination of the operating license. Decommissioning ensures that the site can be safely reused or restored to its original state, often referred to as greenfield status. Recent developments include: September 2022: The Energy ministry of France announced its plans to draft legislation to streamline bureaucracy around nuclear power projects and aims to start construction of its first next-generation EPR2 reactor before May 2027. The ministry further confirmed its plans to add six more nuclear reactors in the country., May 2022: France nuclear safety regulator, the Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire (ASN), announced that they are reviewing the 300 MW reactor called Chooz A after review, the company will begin the complete dismantling of the residual equipment of the caves and the effluent treatment station, the demolition of the buildings and the redevelopment of the site.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Supportive Government Policies in Developing Solar Energy4.; Abundant Solar Resources Across the Country. Potential restraints include: 4., Competition from Conventional Energy Sources. Notable trends are: Commercial Power Reactor Expected to Dominate the Market.

The France Nuclear Power Reactor Decommissioning Market report segments the industry into Reactor Type (Pressurized Water Reactor, Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor, Boiling Water Reactor, High-temperature Gas-cooled Reactor, Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor, Other Reactor Types), Application (Commercial Power Reactor, Prototype Power Reactor, Research Reactor), and Capacity (Below 100 MW, 100-1000 MW, Above 1000 MW).

France FR: Electricity Production From Nuclear Sources: % of Total data was reported at 77.667 % in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 78.365 % for 2014. France FR: Electricity Production From Nuclear Sources: % of Total data is updated yearly, averaging 70.569 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2015, with 56 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 79.512 % in 2011 and a record low of 0.195 % in 1960. France FR: Electricity Production From Nuclear Sources: % of Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s France – Table FR.World Bank: Energy Production and Consumption. Sources of electricity refer to the inputs used to generate electricity. Nuclear power refers to electricity produced by nuclear power plants.; ; IEA Statistics © OECD/IEA 2014 (http://www.iea.org/stats/index.asp), subject to https://www.iea.org/t&c/termsandconditions/; Weighted average; Electricity production shares may not sum to 100 percent because other sources of generated electricity (such as geothermal, solar, and wind) are not shown. Restricted use: Please contact the International Energy Agency for third-party use of these data.

The France Nuclear Power Reactor Decommissioning market is poised for significant growth, driven by the aging nuclear power plant infrastructure and increasing regulatory pressure for safe and efficient decommissioning. With a market size exceeding €X million in 2025 (assuming a reasonable market size based on a global market and France's nuclear power capacity), and a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 4%, the market is projected to reach €Y million by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, France has a large number of operational nuclear reactors nearing the end of their operational lifespan, creating a substantial pipeline of decommissioning projects. Secondly, stringent environmental regulations and public safety concerns necessitate the adoption of advanced decommissioning technologies and methodologies, stimulating innovation and investment in the sector. Furthermore, the expertise and experience gained by French companies in nuclear decommissioning activities positions the nation as a leader in this specialized market segment. However, the market faces challenges including the high cost associated with decommissioning, the complex technical nature of the process, and the need for specialized skilled labor. The market segmentation reveals diverse opportunities. Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs), being the dominant reactor type in France, comprise a significant portion of the decommissioning market. The commercial power reactor segment holds the largest share, reflecting the nation's reliance on nuclear power for electricity generation. The capacity segment is expected to see balanced growth across different ranges, although larger reactors above 1000 MW may present unique challenges and potentially higher decommissioning costs. Key players like Veolia Environnement SA, Orano SA, and EDF are actively involved, leveraging their extensive experience and expertise to capture market share. The forecast period (2025-2033) will witness significant activity, driven by the progressive decommissioning of aging reactors. Strategic partnerships and technological advancements will play a crucial role in shaping the market landscape during this period, promising substantial growth and opportunities for industry participants. The historical period (2019-2024) serves as a foundation for understanding past market trends and informing future projections. Recent developments include: September 2022: The Energy ministry of France announced its plans to draft legislation to streamline bureaucracy around nuclear power projects and aims to start construction of its first next-generation EPR2 reactor before May 2027. The ministry further confirmed its plans to add six more nuclear reactors in the country., May 2022: France nuclear safety regulator, the Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire (ASN), announced that they are reviewing the 300 MW reactor called Chooz A after review, the company will begin the complete dismantling of the residual equipment of the caves and the effluent treatment station, the demolition of the buildings and the redevelopment of the site.. Notable trends are: Commercial Power Reactor Expected to Dominate the Market.

As of 2024, the mean age of France's nuclear fleet was **** years. Approximately ** percent of the nuclear reactors in France had an age between 31 and 40 years. The French government was planning to ask for a lifetime extension of the national nuclear power plants beyond 50 years. However, the company EDF, which manages the national nuclear fleet, faced some corrosion issues in 2021 and started a revision of the whole fleet.

France: Alternative and nuclear energy, percent of total energy use: The latest value from 2021 is 16.2 percent, a decline from 16.8 percent in 2020. In comparison, the world average is 31.16 percent, based on data from 194 countries. Historically, the average for France from 1990 to 2021 is 11.42 percent. The minimum value, 8.5 percent, was reached in 2006 while the maximum of 16.8 percent was recorded in 2020.

Forecast: Definitively Discharged Irradiated Fuel Elements Burnup Rate of Nuclear Energy Facilities in France 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

The market is segmented by Reactor Type (Pressurized Water Reactor, Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor, and Other Reactor Types), Carrier Type (Island Equipment, Auxiliary Equipment, and Research Reactor), and Geography (Russia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Rest of Europe)

Forecast: Share of Corresponding/Leading Author in Scientific Publications in Nuclear Energy and Engineering in France 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

The Electric Utilities industry comprises all stages required to deliver electricity to end users in France, including generation, transmission, distribution and retail supply. EDF dominates the industry through its ownership of France’s nuclear power fleet in the electricity generation segment and leading share of customer accounts in the electricity retail supply segment. Decarbonisation efforts have shaped France’s electricity value chain in recent years, with developments in energy efficiency weighing on electricity consumption. Revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 9.9% over the five years through 2025, reaching €143.3 billion. The pandemic spurred a drop in electricity consumption in 2020, driving a decline in electricity generation and supply volumes and pushing down revenue. France’s dependence on domestic nuclear power initially insulated consumers from the full impact of soaring fossil fuel prices in the aftermath of the pandemic. However, a slump in output from nuclear power and renewables left France exposed to a renewed surge in fossil fuel prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This caused a spike in revenue in the electricity generation segment of the industry, though growth was held back by government intervention at the retail supply level. A resulting slump in the retail supply segment was offset by growing profit from non-gas electricity generation and artificially high returns in the electricity transmission and distribution segments. Renewed growth in nuclear power output and a gradual normalisation in global energy markets have since caused revenue to come down. That being said, revenue is expected to remain above pre-pandemic levels in the current year, as wholesale prices remain elevated and the government is pursuing tax hikes on energy bills to recoup funds used to support consumers through the energy crisis. Still, revenue is set to decline by 4.4% in 2025. Over the five years through 2030, revenue is slated to expand at a compound annual rate of 0.6% to reach €147.4 billion. Revenue is set to continue to moderate in the near term as energy prices continue to come down from the extraordinary highs recorded in recent years. The electricity generation segment will be characterised by accelerated expansion of renewables capacity in the coming years as the French government pursues decarbonisation objectives. The electrification of transport raises the prospect of renewed growth in electricity consumption, boosting revenue in the electricity supply segment.

Nuclear energy is often a national talk among French. Whether it is linked to climate change or the production of electricity, the population have always a favorable view of it. In fact, in 2023, ** percent of the French population had a positive outlook on nuclear power.

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Nuclear Reactor Construction Market Size 2024-2028

The nuclear reactor construction market size is forecast to increase by USD 9 billion at a CAGR of 3.2% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key trends. The increasing focus on clean energy technologies is driving the demand for nuclear power as a low-carbon energy source. Technological advances in nuclear reactor designs, such as small modular reactors and advanced pressurized water reactors, are making nuclear power more efficient and cost-effective. However, competition from other energy sources, such as wind and solar, and public perception issues related to safety concerns continue to pose challenges to the market. To stay competitive, market participants are investing in research and development to improve the safety and efficiency of nuclear reactors.
Overall, the market is expected to grow steadily In the coming years, driven by these trends and the need for reliable, low-carbon energy sources.

What will be the Nuclear Reactor Construction Market Size During the Forecast Period?

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The market is experiencing significant activity as aging infrastructure necessitates upgrades and potential replacements in numerous countries worldwide. Evolving safety standards and a focus on efficiency drive investments in this sector, which contributes substantially to global electricity production. With carbon emissions becoming a pressing concern, nuclear power remains a key player in low-carbon electricity generation. KEPCO Engineering & Construction and SKODA JS A are among the notable players in this market, executing new power reactor construction projects in over 30 countries. As energy demands continue to rise, the nuclear power programmes' importance In the global electricity mix is underscored. This information library provides insights into market dynamics, trends, and the role of nuclear power In the energy transition landscape.

How is this Nuclear Reactor Construction Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The nuclear reactor construction industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  PWR
  Others


Service

  Equipment
  Installation


Geography

  APAC

    China
    Japan


  Europe

    France


  North America

    US


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Type Insights

The pwr segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is driven by the aging infrastructure requiring upgrades and potential replacements, as well as the increasing demand for low-carbon energy sources to meet rising energy demands and sustainability objectives. Advanced reactor technologies, innovative designs, and next-generation nuclear projects are attracting significant financial resources from investors. Evolving safety standards, efficiency improvements, and carbon emissions reduction are key factors influencing the market. The construction of new nuclear power reactors is a critical component of the world's electricity production, with over 30 countries having nuclear power programs. PWRs, which use separate circulation systems for the turbine and reactor, remaIn the dominant technology.

However, digitalization, automation, and enhanced project management are transforming the industry through the use of digital tools, precise planning, monitoring, resource allocation, and project timelines to minimize errors and ensure reliable operation. Despite the high initial cost and licensing challenges, nuclear power remains a dependable baseload generation source for many countries, particularly those experiencing rapid urbanization and government support. However, the financial risk and uncertainty associated with nuclear projects, as well as the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, present challenges to the market's growth.

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The PWR segment was valued at USD 42.70 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 58% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The APAC region leads The market, driven by China, India, and South Korea's significant investments in nuclear power to meet escalating energy demands and decrease carbon emissions. China, the world's largest market, aims to expand its nuclear power capacit

This chart shows the perception of French about the safety of French nuclear power plants in 2016. It is found that nearly one in ten French considered that nuclear power plants in France were not at all safe.

Nuclear Energy Index rose to 41.40 USD on July 23, 2025, up 2.70% from the previous day. Over the past month, Nuclear Energy Index's price has risen 6.70%, and is up 50.55% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Nuclear Energy Index.

The size of the Europe Nuclear Reactor Construction Market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 4.00% during the forecast period. The nuclear reactor construction market is at the crossroads in Europe, with the balance of energy security and strict climatic targets being fine-tuned by the countries. All these are being influenced by growing anxiety about the climate and increase in energy security. Most European nations have now re-invested in nuclear power and are looking to make it an integral part of the energy strategy. Countries like France, which rely quite heavily on nuclear energy, work towards further modernization of the existing ones while opting for new reactors that will augment capacity and improve safety factors. The support for nuclear energy has been revived through the European Union's Green Deal, which now acknowledges the capability of nuclear power to provide reliable low-carbon electricity. Combining this policy support with technology advances, such as small modular reactors and next-generation reactors, opens up new construction opportunities across the continent. It is therefore likely that current market offerings will face challenges in the form of public mistrust and the overhead costs of construction and safety compliance. Another factor was geopolitical interests plus the recent energy crisis that has really led to discussions on energy sovereignty, which raises the stature of nuclear power in firming up its place as a reliable source for energy. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Growing Demand for Renewable Energy4.; Upcoming Investments in the Energy Sector and Supportive Renewable Energy Policies. Potential restraints include: 4., High Initial Investment Cost and Long Investment Return Period on Projects. Notable trends are: Pressurized Water Reactor to Dominate the Market.