Nuclear power generates 16 percent of the world’s electricity and 19 percent in the United States

Sixteen countries rely on nuclear power for at least a quarter of their electricity, and two countries—France and Lithuania—obtain more than 70 percent of their electricity needs from nuclear.

Worldwide, 439 nuclear reactors currently operate, with 35 more under construction, mostly in Asia and Europe. Additionaly, more than 300 units are planned or have been proposed.

Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear energy does not create potentially harmful greenhouse gases. If all the nuclear plants operating worldwide were replaced with fossil-fuel fired plants, as much as 500 million more tons of carbon dioxide would be emitted into the atmosphere each year. Using nuclear is the equivalent of taking about 60 million cars off the road.

Rapidly increasing global demand for electricity will make nuclear an increasingly important source of energy in coming years. For example, China expects its need for electricity to quadruple in the next 20 years. Meeting this demand without causing extensive air pollution will require expanded use of nuclear power.