FACTBOX - New nuclear power plants

(Reuters) - The government is expected on Thursday to give the go-ahead to a new generation of nuclear power stations.

Nuclear operators say they could have new plants running by 2017, helping Britain meet its 2020 goals for combating climate change.

To date, 439 nuclear power plants are in operation and 34 are under construction, according to figures from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Following are key facts about nuclear power reactors in Europe and around the world and plans for new plants to be constructed.

NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IN EUROPE AND WORLDWIDE

* Nuclear power supplies 16 percent of the world's electricity and 34 percent of the European Union's.

* 15 of the EU's 27 members have nuclear power plants. France has the most plants in Europe, generating 73 percent of its electricity.

* The U.S. has the most power plants overall with 104 facilities in operation.

34 POWER PLANTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION