China’s Bold Leap into Nuclear Power: 10 New Reactor Units Approved

China’s commitment to expanding its nuclear energy landscape has intensified recently, with the State Council approving the establishment of 10 new nuclear reactor units in five strategically selected locations across Guangdong, Zhejiang, Shandong, Fujian provinces, and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. This pivotal decision was made during an executive meeting led by Premier Li Qiang, highlighting the nation’s ongoing dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards while embracing nuclear energy as a cornerstone of its future energy strategy.

Expanding the Clean Energy Frontier

One of the notable projects included in this approval is the Phase III of the Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant located in Zhejiang. This facility is poised to become a significant clean energy hub within East China, with projections indicating an aggregate installed capacity of 7.5 million kilowatts upon completion. The total financial commitment for these new nuclear initiatives exceeds 200 billion yuan, which equates to approximately $27.45 billion, signifying a major public investment in clean energy infrastructure.

Since the events surrounding the Fukushima disaster in 2011, which stifled growth in the nuclear sector, China’s nuclear policy has embarked on a transformative path. The past two years have witnessed the approval of 10 or more nuclear units annually, drastically accelerating nuclear energy development compared to the cautious post-Fukushima phase. The current strategy reflects a robust focus on energy security and the prioritization of sustainable, low-carbon energy sources, making nuclear energy integral to China’s energy matrix.

A Global Leader in Nuclear Development

According to the China Nuclear Energy Development Report 2025, China has emerged as the preeminent global leader in operational nuclear power capacity. The country now boasts 102 nuclear reactors—a combination of those operational, under construction, or approved—with a staggering total installed capacity of 113 million kilowatts. Among these, 58 reactors are currently operational, generating an impressive total of 60.96 million kilowatts. Furthermore, 28 reactors are actively under construction, contributing to an anticipated additional capacity of 33.65 million kilowatts.

Looking ahead, China’s ambitious goal is to achieve an installed operational nuclear capacity of 110 million kilowatts by 2030. The country aims to utilize nuclear energy to replace high-carbon energy sources, thereby aligning with its climate commitments and efforts to stabilize its new energy system. These strategic investments reflect broader plans for globalization and burgeoning partnerships, in a context similar to the initiatives discussed in the article on China’s strategic moves by Xi. For more insights into how China is positioning itself in global trade and investments, visit this link.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the approval of 10 new nuclear reactors underscores China’s strategic and accelerated expansion in the domain of nuclear power, which plays a critical role in the nation’s energy security and reduction of carbon emissions. With substantial investments and a focus on technological innovation, China is poised to continue leading the global nuclear energy narrative, demonstrating a strong commitment to transforming its energy landscape for a sustainable future. This move represents not only an investment in infrastructure but also a significant step towards ensuring energy security and environmental responsibility in an ever-evolving energy sector.