China has solidified its position as a nuclear energy powerhouse, with the addition of over 34 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity in the past decade alone. As of April 2024, the country boasts 55 operational nuclear reactors, boasting a cumulative net capacity of 53.2 GW. Furthermore, an additional 23 reactors are currently under construction, reaffirming China’s commitment to nuclear energy expansion.
Comparatively, the United States, holding the largest nuclear fleet globally with 94 reactors, took nearly four decades to match the nuclear power capacity that China achieved within a mere decade.
Despite impressive growth, nuclear power accounted for only approximately 5% of China’s total power generation in 2022, while it constitutes approximately 18% of the electricity generation mix in the United States.
China’s nuclear ambitions are rooted in a strategic long-term plan initiated in 2011 to address both the nation’s surging electricity demand and environmental concerns. Despite efforts to diversify its energy mix, coal remains China’s primary source of electricity generation, contributing significantly to air pollution. Notably, China has been the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide since 2006. While nuclear power offers a clean energy alternative, coal-fired plants present lower initial capital costs and shorter construction times, leading to continued investment in coal-fired capacity. In 2022 alone, China added 19.5 GW of coal-fired capacity, bringing its total to 1,089 GW, despite pledges to reduce coal consumption.
Geographically, China’s nuclear fleet is concentrated in the eastern coastal regions, spanning from Liaoning province in the north to Hainan province in the south. Predominantly composed of pressurized water reactors (PWR), including the U.S. Westinghouse-designed AP1000s and the French Orano European Power Reactors, China’s nuclear infrastructure underscores a diverse technological foundation.
Looking ahead, the 23 reactors currently under construction are poised to augment China’s nuclear power capacity by an estimated 23.7 GW over the next decade. Predominantly featuring PWR designs, China is also pioneering domestic innovations, such as the Linglong-1 ACP100 reactor, a small modular reactor based on AP1000 technology, signaling the nation’s commitment to technological advancement in the nuclear energy sector.