China Leads in Nuclear Power Plant Construction, According to the Green Book Released by the China Nuclear Energy Association on April 26.
The Green Book from the China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA) indicates that the country has 24 nuclear power units under construction, with a total installed capacity of 26.81 million kW. The new data shows that China has been operating its nuclear power units safely and stably for an extended period while making steady progress in construction.
Two units at the Fuqing Nuclear Power Plant, Fujian Province, China. (Photo: Fuqing Nuclear Power Plant).
Since 2022, China has approved 10 new nuclear power units, brought 3 units into commercial operation, and started construction on 6 units. As of now, the country has 54 commercial nuclear power units with a total installed capacity of 56.82 million kW, ranking third in the world.
According to the Green Book, China has continuously improved key nuclear power equipment developed domestically, enhancing the production capacity of nuclear power equipment and ensuring the related industrial chain. The country has developed the capability to supply complete sets of nuclear power equipment for pressurized water reactors (PWR) with a capacity of one million kW. In 2022, China produced 54 sets of nuclear power equipment, reaching a new high over the past five years.
“More than 90% of China’s large nuclear power reactors are now produced domestically. China’s nuclear power construction technology maintains a strong international ranking, with the capability to build more than 40 nuclear power units simultaneously,” said Zhang Tingke, Secretary-General of CNEA.
By 2030, China is expected to lead the world in nuclear power installed capacity. According to the CNEA Green Book, China’s nuclear power output is expected to account for 10% of total electricity production by 2035, enhancing the importance of nuclear power in China’s energy structure and promoting the transition to a low-carbon energy framework.
Globally, many countries are adjusting their nuclear power development plans. Germany has been working to phase out nuclear energy since 2002. This country is the largest economy in Europe and the largest emitter in the European Union (EU).
In contrast, the United Kingdom announced in March 2022 plans to reduce dependence on oil and gas by constructing 8 new nuclear reactors. This is part of the country’s new energy strategy, with a goal of generating approximately 24 gigawatts of electricity from nuclear power by 2050, which would account for 25% of projected electricity demand.
Poland, Romania, and Ukraine—countries that have long relied on coal-fired power plants—have also signed contracts with American and European companies to obtain this small reactor technology. Recently, Europe has increasingly viewed nuclear power as essential in combating climate change.
In Japan, since the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, most nuclear power plants have remained inactive. However, in 2022, the country’s leaders announced plans to restart several nuclear power plants and consider developing next-generation reactors to address energy shortages.
In early March 2022, the President of the Philippines signed a decree to incorporate nuclear power into the country’s energy structure. Philippine officials aim to gradually reduce coal-fired power plants to meet climate goals and revive their only nuclear power plant—Bataan—after decades of inactivity.
