Which countries have permanently shut down the most nuclear power?
As of 21 January 2026
A conceptual illustration shows nuclear power plant cooling towers with the words 'SHUT DOWN' and a red prohibition symbol, representing the global debate on nuclear energy. | Illustration: Ashrafun Naher Ananna/TBS Creative
Germany has no active nuclear power plants after accelerating its nuclear phase-out following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, driven by safety concerns and strong public opposition, with the final shutdown completed in 2023. Meanwhile, on 21 January, Japan restarted the No. 6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, adding about 1.35GW to the grid.
This infographic details the number of nuclear reactors shut down and the net electrical capacity lost by country, with Germany and the United States leading the list.
Note: GW denotes gigawatt
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