The history of nuclear power generation is closely related to the development history of power reactors. The development of power reactors was originally for military needs. 1954, the Soviet Union built the world's first nuclear power plant with an installed capacity of 5 MW. Britain, the United States and other countries have also built various types of nuclear power plants. By 1960, 20 nuclear power plants will be built in five countries, with an installed capacity of 1279 MW. Due to the development of nuclear enrichment technology, the cost of nuclear power generation has been lower than that of thermal power generation 1966. Nuclear power generation has really entered the practical stage.

1978, there were more than 200 nuclear power plant reactors with a total installed capacity of 107776 MW in 22 countries and regions around the world. In 1980s, the shortage of fossil energy became increasingly prominent, and nuclear power generation made rapid progress. By 199 1 year, nearly 30 countries and regions around the world have built 423 nuclear power units with a total capacity of 327.5 million kilowatts, accounting for about 16% of the world's total power generation. The first nuclear power plant in the world-Obninsk nuclear power plant in the Soviet Union.

Chinese mainland's nuclear power started late, and construction of nuclear power plants began in 1980s. The 300,000 kW Qinshan Nuclear Power Station designed and built by China was put into operation at the end of 199 1. Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station 1987 started construction, and 1994 was all connected to the grid for power generation.

Britain is one of the earliest countries in the world to develop nuclear power, and it has built the first commercial nuclear power plant in the world. Combined with the huge domestic consumer market, the British government has given strong policy support to the nuclear energy system. After more than half a century's efforts, British nuclear power has accumulated world-leading technical experience, established a mature and developed talent base, and formed a complete industrial chain and a complete supporting service system. The turnover of British nuclear industry exceeds 4 billion pounds. It is estimated that in the next 10 year, Britain's nuclear industry will attract1500 million-1700 million pounds of additional investment. As a member of the fourth generation nuclear energy international forum, Britain is an active force to advocate the fourth generation nuclear power technology.