Nuclear Reactor Risk Scale

Risk assessment based on age, safety regulations, geopolitical risks, and natural disaster exposure.

🔴 Extreme Risk (5) High chance of severe accident

• Zaporizhzhia NPP Ukraine (Active war zone)
• Yongbyon reactors North Korea (No oversight)
• Bushehr Nuclear Plant Iran (Seismic risk)

🟠 High Risk (4) Significant vulnerabilities

• Fukushima Daini Japan (Seismic zone)
• Kursk/Smolensk Russia (RBMK reactors)
• Astravets Belarus (Safety concerns)

🟡 Moderate Risk (3) Some concerns but generally stable

• Indian Point USA (Aging infrastructure)
• Fessenheim France (Closed in 2020)
• Kudankulam India (IAEA-monitored)

🟢 Low Risk (2) Well-regulated and modern

• Vogtle 3 & 4 USA (AP1000 design)
• Olkiluoto 3 Finland (EPR reactor)
• Shin Kori South Korea

✅ Minimal Risk (1) Safest or decommissioned

• ITER France (Fusion reactor)
• Decommissioned plants Global (No operational risk)
• Research reactors Canada, Australia, etc.

Key Takeaways

• Extreme Risk (5): War zones, rogue states, or reactors with weak oversight.
• High Risk (4): Aging reactors in politically unstable regions.
• Moderate Risk (3): Older reactors in stable countries.
• Low Risk (2): New reactors with strong safety cultures.
• Minimal Risk (1): Research reactors or decommissioned plants.