500 GW By 2050? Inside China’s Massive Nuclear Expansion and Its Global Power Shift
On April 27, 2025, China’s State Council approved the construction of 10 new nuclear reactors across five major projects with a total investment exceeding 200 billion yuan ($27.45 billion). This strategic decision marks a critical step in China’s ongoing efforts to scale up its nuclear power capacity in pursuit of enhanced energy security and long-term decarbonization. At a time when nuclear development in many Western countries is hindered by regulatory complexities and financial barriers, China continues to demonstrate the effectiveness of centralized planning, robust industrial capability, and consistent policy support. The country’s expanding nuclear footprint holds significant implications for global energy markets, international collaboration, and the evolving dynamics of the clean energy transition.
Contextualizing China’s Nuclear Strategy
China’s nuclear energy program, built on decades of strategic investment in technological self-reliance and energy security, has positioned the country as a dominant force in the global nuclear landscape. By the end of 2024, China had reached a combined total of 102 nuclear reactors either operational, under construction, or approved, amounting to an installed capacity of 113 million kilowatts. The momentum continued into 2025 with the approval of 10 additional reactors—eight based on China’s indigenous Hualong One technology and two using the CAP1000, a localized adaptation of the U.S.-designed AP1000. These new projects, spread across key provinces including Zhejiang (Sanmen), Guangdong (Taishan), Guangxi (Fangchenggang), Shandong (Haiyang), and Fujian (Xiapu), are scheduled to begin operations between 2030 and 2031. Each reactor is projected to produce around 10 billion kilowatt-hours annually, supporting millions of households while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
This consistent expansion reflects China’s broader national energy strategy. In 2024, nuclear energy accounted for 444.7 billion kilowatt-hours—approximately 4.72% of total electricity generation—helping to avert an estimated 334 million tons of carbon emissions. Looking ahead, China has set ambitious targets to scale up its nuclear capacity to 110 million kilowatts by 2030 and to 200 GW by 2035. These milestones are integral to China’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
Technological and Industrial Achievements
China’s nuclear sector is distinguished by its focus on technological self-reliance and industrial efficiency. The Hualong One, a third-generation pressurized water reactor with full intellectual property rights, is a cornerstone of this strategy. With an estimated 41 units operational or under construction worldwide, it is among the most widely adopted third-generation reactors globally. In 2024, China delivered 114 sets of domestically produced nuclear equipment, doubling the previous year’s output, achieving full localization of key components and reducing dependency on foreign technology.
China is also pioneering next-generation nuclear technologies. In 2023, it commissioned the world’s first commercial fourth-generation high-temperature gas-cooled reactor at Huaneng Shidaowan, enhancing safety and efficiency. The Linglong One, a small modular reactor (SMR), is scheduled for completion by 2026, positioning China to lead the global SMR market, which offers solutions for remote and industrial applications. Additionally, research into thorium-fueled reactors, including a reported operational unit in 2025, and fusion-fission hybrids, such as the Xinghuo project planned for 2030, underscores China’s commitment to innovation.
Industrial efficiency further distinguishes China’s approach. Reactors are constructed in approximately five years at a cost of $2.7 billion per unit, compared to Western projects like the UK’s Hinkley Point C, estimated at $63.7 billion for two reactors, or the U.S.’s Vogtle plant, which reached $35 billion with significant delays. This cost-effectiveness stems from state-backed financing, streamlined regulatory processes, and a robust domestic supply chain.
Policy and Operational Insights
China’s nuclear program offers valuable lessons for global energy policymakers. One of the defining features of China’s approach is its state-driven model, which enables rapid deployment through centralized decision-making, streamlined approvals, and access to low-interest financing. This structure has allowed China to expand its nuclear fleet efficiently and cost-effectively, in stark contrast to the protracted regulatory procedures and frequent cost overruns experienced in many Western nations. The Chinese model underscores the importance of institutional coordination and policy clarity in meeting urgent climate and energy targets.
Safety remains a cornerstone of China’s nuclear development. The country has consistently ranked among the top performers in the World Association of Nuclear Operators' (WANO) index for operational safety. According to Hou Yingdong from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China’s nuclear fleet has maintained strong safety records across more than 600 cumulative reactor years. All commercial nuclear plants are located in regions with low seismic risk, and comprehensive assessments have been conducted to account for potential natural disasters, including floods, heavy rainfall, and tsunamis. These precautions demonstrate that safety and progress can go hand-in-hand in a large-scale nuclear program.
Additionally, China is leading in the integration of nuclear power with renewable energy sources, constructing a low-carbon energy system that is both stable and adaptable. By using nuclear power as a reliable baseload and complementing it with variable sources like wind and solar, China is developing a robust and flexible grid. This integrated approach serves as a valuable reference for other countries aiming to decarbonize their energy mix without compromising energy reliability.
Global Implications
China’s rapid advancements in nuclear energy are reshaping global energy markets and shifting geopolitical dynamics. With a combined total of 102 nuclear reactors either operational, under construction, or approved—representing a significant share of global capacity—China is a key driver of uranium demand, exerting substantial influence on international supply chains. In 2023, China’s uranium consumption was expected to exceed 11,000 tonnes (tU), with projections reaching over 40,000 tU annually by 2040. Although current uranium reserves are considered sufficient to meet near-term domestic needs, a long-term nuclear expansion—potentially reaching 500 GW of capacity by 2050—would require more than 4.25 million tonnes (Mt) of uranium, a figure that far exceeds China’s current resource capabilities.
On the geopolitical front, China is leveraging its nuclear capabilities to expand its strategic influence, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By 2030, Chinese authorities aim to export 30 nuclear reactors to BRI partner nations, with projected revenues reaching up to 1 trillion yuan (approximately $145.5 billion). Through the financing and construction of nuclear projects across Asia and Africa, China is positioning itself as a leading energy partner for emerging economies. In parallel, its collaborative engagements with global players such as Russia, France, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), along with the opening of 12 domestic research facilities to international institutions, are consolidating China’s role as a global hub for nuclear expertise.
China’s momentum in nuclear development is also placing pressure on Western countries, where progress has been relatively slow due to regulatory hurdles and public skepticism. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global nuclear electricity generation is expected to grow by 3% annually through 2026, with China leading the growth, followed by countries such as France, Japan, India, South Korea, and others in Europe. This emerging trajectory may encourage renewed investment in nuclear power across the West, contingent on policymakers addressing regulatory bottlenecks and improving public confidence in nuclear energy.
Moving Forward
China’s nuclear energy trajectory—highlighted by the 2025 approval of 10 new reactors—demonstrates a clear, long-term commitment to energy security, technological leadership, and low-carbon growth. With projections indicating that China’s nuclear capacity will reach 200 GW by 2030 and 400-500 GW by 2050, the country is positioning itself at the forefront of global nuclear power development. Its model of state-backed innovation, streamlined development, and high safety standards offers a compelling blueprint for countries and investors seeking scalable, reliable clean energy solutions. As China accelerates its nuclear expansion, it is reshaping global energy markets and setting a competitive pace for the global energy transition. This momentum presents significant opportunities for international collaboration, technology partnerships, and capital investment. For forward-looking investors and policymakers, China’s nuclear success story underscores the potential of nuclear power as a cornerstone of a sustainable, resilient, and economically viable energy future.
