China boosts nuclear expansion with new units

China has taken another decisive step in its clean energy ambitions, approving the construction of ten new nuclear power units with a total investment of approximately $27 billion (200 billion yuan

The decision, confirmed by official sources, continues the country’s steady pace of nuclear expansion, with 10 to 11 reactors having been approved annually since 2022.The newly sanctioned units will be added to five existing nuclear power stations: Fangchenggang in Guangxi, Sanmen in Fujian, Haiyang in Shandong, Xiapu in Chongqing, and Taishan in Guangdong. Notably, all these upcoming units will utilise fully indigenous technologies, showcasing China’s growing confidence in its domestic nuclear manufacturing capabilities. The strategic move highlights Beijing’s push towards self-reliance in critical energy infrastructure, while reinforcing its commitment to building a low-carbon economy.

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According to the China Nuclear Energy Association’s latest white paper, China’s nuclear construction investment reached a record high of 146.9 billion yuan in 2024. This surge underlines a significant shift in the country’s energy strategy, positioning nuclear power as a vital component in its broader decarbonisation goals. With 57 operational reactors delivering close to 60 gigawatts of installed capacity, China currently ranks third globally in nuclear output, trailing only the United States and France. However, projections suggest that by 2030, China is set to become the world leader in installed nuclear capacity.

Nuclear energy presently contributes around 5% to China’s electricity generation, a figure expected to double to 10% by 2040. This transition is pivotal as the nation seeks to reduce its heavy reliance on coal and curb greenhouse gas emissions. Amid mounting global concerns over climate change, China’s nuclear thrust could prove to be a defining pillar in its promise to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
A key aspect of this initiative is China’s emphasis on technology localisation. The white paper reveals that China has achieved 100% domestic production for core nuclear power equipment. This milestone significantly insulates its nuclear ambitions from external geopolitical risks while opening new opportunities for collaboration with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) nations and other major nuclear economies.

The newly approved projects are also symbolic of China’s broader aspirations to shape the global nuclear energy landscape. While reinforcing its internal energy security, China is keen to export its home-grown nuclear technologies, aligning clean energy cooperation with its diplomatic and economic outreach efforts.
As nations worldwide grapple with balancing energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, China’s aggressive nuclear expansion offers an intriguing model. Whether this approach can be seamlessly executed without environmental or safety setbacks remains a subject of international scrutiny. However, from the standpoint of climate action and energy transition, China’s momentum in nuclear development could be a critical lever in reshaping the global energy mix towards a more sustainable future.

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China boosts nuclear expansion with new units