China: Nuclear Energy Updates - Climate Scorecard

While nuclear power’s contribution to China’s overall energy mix is still relatively small, its growth is significant.

Over the past five years, China has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to expanding its nuclear energy capacity. This surge is a cornerstone of the country’s broader strategy to enhance energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and meet ambitious climate change targets.

Growth and Capacity

China’s nuclear energy output has increased dramatically over the last five years. As of the end of 2024, China had 58 nuclear power reactors in operation, making it second only to the United States. Its installed nuclear capacity sits at 60.88 GW, ranking it third globally. The country’s expansion is not slowing, with 27 additional plants currently under construction, the most of any nation. This rapid development is a direct result of government policy aimed at adding 6 to 8 new reactors annually.

While nuclear power’s contribution to China’s overall energy mix is still relatively small, its growth is significant. In 2024, nuclear energy accounted for 4.47% of the nation’s total electricity generation. While this is a modest percentage compared to its massive coal-powered grid, it produced 450.85 TWh of electricity, ranking it second worldwide in terms of nuclear power generation.

Technology and Cost

China’s nuclear power projects primarily utilize Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs), the most common type of reactor globally. The country has also made significant strides in developing its own advanced reactor technologies, including the Hualong One, a third-generation reactor, and the Linglong One, a small modular reactor (SMR). This focus on advanced, domestically developed technology is a key part of China’s strategy to become a global leader in nuclear energy. China is also exploring fourth-generation technologies, including fast breeder reactors (FBRs) and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs).

Building nuclear power plants in China is comparatively less expensive than in many other countries, including the U.S. and France. This cost efficiency is attributed to standardized designs, a strategic indigenization of supply chains, and coordinated industrial policy. On average, the cost per kilowatt is approximately one-third that of similar projects in the U.S. and France. The time it takes to install a new reactor also reflects this efficiency, with nearly all Chinese nuclear projects completed since 2010 in seven years or less.

Regulation and Waste Management

The responsibility for monitoring and regulating China’s nuclear energy program falls on the National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA), which operates under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. The NNSA is responsible for licensing, regulating, and enforcing safety standards, ensuring that development and safety are synchronized. China has also committed to international standards, having acceded to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management.

For the disposal and management of nuclear waste, China has established a comprehensive system. This includes a comprehensive nuclear fuel cycle that encompasses the entire process, from uranium exploration to the reprocessing of spent fuel elements.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard China Country Manager, Vincent Mao.

Learn More Resources

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA): Provides data and analysis on China’s energy production and consumption. Link to EIA’s China page
World Nuclear Association: Offers detailed information on China’s nuclear power program, including reactor types and construction times. Link to World Nuclear Association’s China page
Global Energy Monitor: A non-profit organization that tracks global energy projects, including nuclear power.Link to Global Energy Monitor’s report on China
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): The global authority on nuclear energy, providing standards and technical guidance. Link to the IAEA’s nuclear waste disposal page
China’s Official Government Portal: Offers official news and policies related to the country’s energy strategy. Link to a relevant article