In 2025, China will make an important move to shore up its position in the increasingly competitive global nuclear energy market. It intends to greenlight the construction of at least ten new nuclear reactors. This decision marks yet another demonstration of the country’s continued commitment to expanding its nuclear fleet. This represents the fourth year in a row that they have supported the construction of at least ten reactors. With this expansion, China is on track to overtake the United States as the world’s largest producer of nuclear energy by 2030.
Our country has 30 reactors now under construction, almost half of all reactors being built around the globe. By 2040, China plans to expand its nuclear fleet to 200 gigawatts (GW) of capacity. This major expansion will provide roughly 10% of the nation’s current total electricity generation. China, meanwhile, is doubling down on nuclear energy as a way to increase its clean electricity production. Indeed, this strategy is already bearing fruit, with the country generating more than 951 terawatt-hours (TWh) in the first quarter of 2025, a record high. Perhaps more surprising, though, was that nuclear energy—by itself—tallied a production increase of 13% over 2021’s output, totaling 117 TWh.
As one of the most recent milestones, China brought online its first commercial fourth-generation nuclear reactor at Shidao Bay in late 2023. This reactor, which uses helium instead of water to produce electricity, is an enormous technological leap. China Huaneng also operates the 200 megawatt (MW) power unit at Shidao Bay. It can boast the honor of being the world’s first high-temperature gas-cooled reactor.
We calculate the total investment for the 6 upcoming reactors at 200 billion yuan, or about 27 billion dollars. This sizable investment will be put to terrific use constructing new reactors at well-known, already-operating sites. Among the interesting places is the Sanmen nuclear power plant in Zhejiang province, recently approved for a phase three expansion project. In addition, four new reactors have been awarded to China National Nuclear for its Fangchenggang and Taishan plants.
China is making a substantial strategic bet on nuclear energy to enhance its energy security. Besides this, the move reinforces its stance in the clean energy transition that’s being witnessed all around the globe. It’s forging ahead and creating the future of this field. This development has the potential to greatly affect patterns of energy use at home and abroad.