Built between the mid-fifties and the 1990s, many of them are coming to the end of their natural life.
By the year 2030 all but one of them will be de-commissioned.
But, it looks as though we may need them after all, as our own stocks of North Sea oil and gas run out.
We also want to hear what you think: Natural resources
The need to find an alternative to nuclear power grows year by year as natural resources - gas, oil, and the tiny proportion of coal that is still used as an energy source in the UK - continue to be used.
Developments in nuclear power started in the mid 1950s and its use to create electricity grew until at its height, about a quarter of the UK's power was nuclear generated.
By 2023, this will be cut to only 4% as more power stations come to the end of their working life and start to pose a serious risk to safety.
Although the nuclear power stations are generally cleaner than coal fired stations, the process of mining the uranium needed for the nuclear process isn't.
Some countries - notably Finland have built a new nuclear plant to help reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Kyoto
In 1997, Britain signed up to the Kyoto agreement in Japan which in theory legally binds industrialised countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
The agreement descended in farce when the United States pulled out; President George W Bush said he would never sign it.
You can read more about Kyoto from the link at the right of this page.
Solution?
Environmental campaigners argue that nuclear power could be replaced by renewable sources - wind, water and solar power which won't run out.
The problem with wind and water powered turbines is that they hundreds of them are needed to generate a comparable amount of electricity from a nuclear source.
In the meantime, the argument will rage on about whether nuclear facilities are the way forward and whether their building programme should be re-started.
Campaigners against this say in the 21st Century, there is another serious risk to nuclear power, and that is from terrorism.
The need to find a solution to the UK's power needs grows by the year, and each year will see the need become more pressing.
Should Britain build more nuclear power stations? If not, how would you keep the nation's power supplies running? You can use this form to e-mail your views straight to the Breakfast team
Disclaimer: The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all e-mails will be published.
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It would take about 7,500 wind turbines to generate as much electricity as Sizewell B.. The only answer to carbon-free generation is nuclear. 
