“China has become the global leader in nuclear power for the first time, operating 102 units with a total installed capacity of 113 million kilowatts, highlighting its commitment to safe and sustainable clean energy development.”
China leads the world in nuclear power for the first time
Ensuring safety and developing sustainable clean energy
INTRODUCTION
China has officially set a new record by achieving the largest scale of nuclear power in the world. According to the China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA), the country currently operates 102 nuclear power units with a total installed capacity of 113 million kilowatts, including units that are operational, under construction, and approved for future development.
Figure 1: Fuqing Nuclear Power Plant, Fujian Province, China. Photo: Xinhua
Significant growth in China’s nuclear power units
Notably, China currently has 28 nuclear power units under construction, with a combined capacity of 33.65 million kilowatts. As a result, China has maintained its leading position in the number of nuclear power units under construction for 18 consecutive years.
In addition, 58 commercial units currently in operation, with a total capacity of 60.96 million kilowatts, reflect the nation’s commitment to sustainable development. Remarkably, in 2024, China’s nuclear power output reached 444.7 million kilowatt-hours, accounting for 4.72% of the national electricity generation. This achievement has positioned China as the second-largest producer of electricity from nuclear reactors globally.
Furthermore, Liu Lu, Director of the Radiation Source Safety Administration, emphasized: “The operation of nuclear facilities inevitably generates radioactive waste in gaseous, liquid, and solid forms. However, gaseous and liquid wastes are treated to meet national standards before being discharged into the environment, while solid wastes are classified and treated based on their radiation levels.” Thanks to these measures, nuclear safety management has been consistently ensured.
Figure 2: Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province. Photo: Xinhua
Nuclear power – China’s sustainable clean energy solution
Data from the Power Reactor Information System (PRIS) indicates that there are approximately 450 nuclear reactors worldwide, supplying 10% of global electricity. Alongside the United States, France, and Russia, China is emerging as a key player in the clean energy sector.
Moreover, to combat climate change and air pollution, China views nuclear energy as an effective alternative to coal. The country’s ambitious target is to produce 200 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2035 by deploying an additional 150 reactors.
Currently, two major corporations dominate China’s nuclear industry: the China National Nuclear Corporation and the China General Nuclear Power Corporation. These enterprises play a crucial role in achieving the nation’s commitment to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.
Additionally, China continues to advance research into new technologies to enhance nuclear safety, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.
CONCLUSION
With its impressive achievements in nuclear power, China is solidifying its position as a global leader in clean energy. In the future, the country is expected to further expand its nuclear capacity, contributing significantly to sustainable development and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
(Vn-Industry.)
Source: Compiled
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