Science

Top 5 Largest Power Plant in the World

A nuclear power plant is a thermal power station that uses nuclear fission to generate electricity. Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction that splits an atom, releasing a huge amount of energy; this energy is further used in nuclear reactors to produce energy. Let’s take a look at the top 5 Largest Power Plant in the World

Let’s dive deep into what exactly happens in a nuclear reactor. The heat energy produced during nuclear fission vaporizes the water present into steam—to spin the turbines that generate electricity. On the plus side, nuclear power plants provide an effective way to generate electricity as it does not produce any waste compared to energy generation using fossil fuels. But, nuclear power plants are prone to accidents as even a small flaw can lead to a full-blown nuclear disaster. Remember Chernobyl?

To ensure safety and avoid tragic accidents, the nuclear industry makes sure that the nuclear plant is designed perfectly without any flaws or defects. Ever since the introduction of the first nuclear power plant in 1954, several other plants have been built in various countries for effective electricity generation.

Which is the Largest Power Plant in the World?

A. Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant
B. Cattenom Nuclear Power Plant
C. Hanul Nuclear Power Plant
D. Gravelines Nuclear Power Plant, France

Top 5 Largest Power Plants in the World

1) Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, Japan

Established Year: 1980

Capacity (in Megawatts): 8,212MW

Current Status: Will does not restart until 2023

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Japan is the largest nuclear power plant built with seven reactor units—generating electricity to around 16 million households. Though designed to sustain earthquakes, the nuclear plant had some radioactive leaks after the earthquake in 2007. Following the incident, the reactors were shut down for years due to several other natural calamities and have not yet started functioning.

2) Bruce Nuclear Generating Station, Canada

Established Year: 1987

Capacity (in Megawatts): 4,700MW

Current Status: Functioning

The Bruce Nuclear Generating Station in Canada is the largest nuclear power plant in North America and the first private plant in Canada. The power plant generates around 20% of Ontario’s electricity. Consisting of 8 reactors, the Bruce Station has over 4,000 employees.

3) Hanul Nuclear Power Plant, South Korea

Established Year: 1989

Capacity (in Megawatts): 6,157MW

Current Status: Functioning

The Hanul, formerly known as Ulchin Nuclear Power Plant is the largest plant in South Korea. The plant consists of 6 reactors, named Hanul 1 to 6 respectively, and was developed in two phases.

4) Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant, South Korea

Established Year: 1986

Capacity (in Megawatts): 6,164MW

Current Status: Functioning

Formerly known as the Yeonggwang Nuclear Power Plant, the Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant is no stranger to incidents. It was found in a 2012 security check that eight suppliers had forged quality certificates for over 7,682 items and delivered those to the plant. The power plant also faced problems during quality tests in 2019 for miscalculation and careless handling of control rods.

5) Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Ukraine

Established Year: 1984

Capacity (in Megawatts): 6,000MW

Current Status: Functioning

The Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant is one of the four working power plants in Ukraine and the largest of them all. Consisting of six units, the power plant is responsible for over 50% of electricity generation in Ukraine.

List of nuclear power plants

Check out the nuclear power plants that take the next top spots.