Europe's Nuclear Power Plants: Top 10 by Capacity (August 2025)
Europe continues to be a global leader in nuclear energy. Below is an updated ranking of the continent’s most powerful nuclear power plants, with brief descriptions and key facts.
This ranking reflects the current state of the market and helps to assess the scale and impact of nuclear energy on the stability of Europe's power systems.
Top 10 Nuclear Power Plants by Installed Capacity
1) Zaporizhzhia NPP — Ukraine, 5,700 MW
Enerhodar. Six VVER-1000 reactors. Commissioned from 1985 to 1996. Until 2022, produced about 20% of Ukraine’s electricity. Under international supervision.
The largest nuclear power plant in Europe.
2) Gravelines — France, 5,460 MW
Northern France. Six PWR reactors, supplies electricity to the northern regions and more than 2 million households.
One of the most productive plants in France.
3) Paluel — France, 5,320 MW
Normandy. Four reactors of 1,330 MW each. Uses seawater for cooling and supplies ~2 million households.
A key node of the French power system.
4) Cattenom — France, 5,200 MW
Moselle River. Four PWR units each of 1,300 MW, commissioned 1987–1991. Exports electricity to Germany and Luxembourg.
The largest employer in the region.
5) Tricastin — France, 3,660 MW
Rhone Valley. Nuclear complex with uranium processing facilities. Historically associated with nuclear fuel production.
Important part of France’s power system.
6) Olkiluoto — Finland, 3,380 MW
Three reactors: two BWR and one EPR. Home to Onkalo — the world’s first long-term spent nuclear fuel repository.
Technological symbol of Finland.
7) Tihange — Belgium, 3,008 MW
Three reactors of varying capacity. Supplies about 15% of Belgium’s electricity. One unit planned to operate until 2035.
A key node in Belgium’s power system.
8) Doel — Belgium, 2,909 MW
Antwerp. Several units of different ages. Some units were shut down between 2022 and 2025. Doel-4 will remain operational until 2035.
A key station in Belgium’s energy sector.
9) Forsmark — Sweden, 3,300 MW
Three BWR reactors. Part of Sweden’s largest energy complexes. Actively developing long-term spent fuel storage projects.
Meets modern safety requirements.
10) Ringhals — Sweden, 2,204 MW
Two operating PWR units. Supply the western regions of Sweden. High safety and stability standards.
Stable operation and a high level of safety.
Notes on Other Facilities
- Major projects in development: Hinkley Point C (UK, 3,200 MW), Flamanville 3 (France, 1,650 MW), Paks II (Hungary, 2,400 MW).
- New reactors: Olkiluoto-3 (Finland, 1,600 MW) — commissioned in 2023.
Regional Distribution
France leads: 4 of the top 10, developed infrastructure, total installed capacity over 61 GW.
Ukraine — first place for a single plant (Zaporizhzhia NPP).
Belgium and Sweden: two major complexes each in the list.
Europe’s nuclear power plants ensure the stability of power systems, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and help achieve climate goals. Constant safety control and spent fuel management are required.
Sources
- Nuclear Energy in Europe — World Nuclear Association
- List of nuclear power plants in Europe (Wikipedia)
- Power Technology: Top nuclear power plants
- Official websites of nuclear power plant operators