MCQ Detailed View

The world’s first nuclear power plant was built by Russia (then the Soviet Union). The plant, known as the Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant, was located in the city of Obninsk, about 100 km southwest of Moscow. It officially began operations on June 27, 1954, and was the first in the world to generate electricity for a power grid using nuclear energy.

The Obninsk plant had a modest capacity of about 5 megawatts (MW), but its importance was historic. It demonstrated that nuclear fission could be used not just for weapons, but also for peaceful purposes like electricity production. This marked the start of the nuclear energy era.

After Russia’s success, many countries, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, followed with their own nuclear power plants. Today, nuclear power plays a key role in the global energy mix, providing low-carbon electricity in many countries.

Key facts about the first nuclear power plant:

• Country: Russia (Soviet Union)


• Name: Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant


• Location: Obninsk, near Moscow


• Year of operation: June 27, 1954


• Capacity: 5 MW


• Significance: First nuclear plant to generate electricity for a power grid


• Legacy: Paved the way for peaceful use of nuclear energy worldwide

For exam preparation: The world’s first nuclear power plant was built by Russia in 1954 at Obninsk.