As a result , 59 nuclear power plants generate most of the electricity produced in the country ( 78 % in 2006 , up from only 8 % in 1973 , 24 % in 1980 , and 75 % in 1990 ) . As a result of large investments in nuclear technology , most of the electricity produced in the country is generated by 59 nuclear power plants ( 78 % in 2006 , up from only 8 % in 1973 , 24 % in 1980 , and 75 % in 1990 ) .