The Chernobyl nuclear plant is seen in an aerial view, showing the damage from an explosion and fire on April 26, 1986, that sent a radioactive plume over Europe. (AP Photo\/ Volodymyr Repik, File)<\/small><\/p>\n
2026-04-23T05:06:08Z<\/p>\n
The 1986 Chernobyl disaster<\/a><\/span> fueled global fears about nuclear power and slowed its development in Europe and elsewhere. Four decades later, however, there\u2019s a revival around the world, a trend that has been given a big boost<\/a><\/span> by war in the Middle East.<\/p>\n Over 400 nuclear reactors are operational in 31 countries, while about 70 more are under construction. Nuclear power accounts for producing about 10% of the world\u2019s electricity, equivalent to about a quarter of all sources of low-carbon power.<\/p>\n Nuclear reactors have seen steady improvements, adding more safety features and making them cheaper to build and operate.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n While Chernobyl and the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan<\/a><\/span> diminished the appetite for such power sources, it was clear years ago that there probably would be a revival, said Fatih Birol, executive director<\/a><\/span> of the International Energy Agency.<\/p>\n With the war in the Middle East, \u201cI am 100% sure nuclear is coming back,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s seen as a secure electricity generation system, and we will see that the comeback of nuclear will be very strong, both in (the) Americas, in Europe and in Asia,\u201d Birol told The Associated Press.<\/p>\n The United States is the world\u2019s largest producer of nuclear power, with 94 operational reactors accounting for about 30% of global generation of nuclear electricity. And it is increasing efforts to develop nuclear energy capacity with a goal to quadruple it by 2050.<\/p>\n \u201cThe world cannot power its industries, meet the demands of artificial intelligence, or secure its energy future without nuclear power,\u201d U.S. Undersecretary of State Thomas DiNanno said last month.<\/p>\n China operates 61 nuclear reactors and is leading the world in building new units, with nearly 40 under construction with a goal to surpass the U.S. and become the global leader in nuclear capacity.<\/p>\nNuclear energy reliance stays strong<\/h2>\n