FORTUNE — The disaster at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant last March set off a global reassessment of the technology. Germany and Switzerland plan to mothball their reactors, while China and India will push ahead. Meanwhile, the NRC just approved a new reactor design, a crucial step in Southern Co.’s bid to build the first reactor in the U.S. in 30 years. The new units at the Georgia plant (above) will power some 500,000 homes. —
Anne VanderMey
By the numbers
$14 billion: The cost to build the two Georgia reactors. Southern Co., which owns 46% of the project, says ratepayers will save $6 billion over the life of the plant, compared with the cost of coal or gas plants.
73%: The estimated increase in nuclear power generation globally by 2035. Nukes’ share of total power generated is projected to be 13%, the same as in 2009.
63: The number of nuclear reactors under construction today. China is building 26 while India has six under way. Currently in operation worldwide: 435.
Sources: Southern Co.; International Atomic Energy Agency; World Nuclear Association; Nuclear Regulatory Commission; International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2011 New Policies Scenario
This article is from the February 6, 2012 issue of Fortune.
