China has the world's largest installed nuclear power capacity.

China is one of the world's fastest-growing economies , leading to a high demand for energy to power industrial production and consumption. In recent years, China has become the country with the world's largest installed nuclear power capacity, reflecting a variety of factors in its energy, economic, and environmental policies.

The reactor at the Fuqing nuclear power plant in Fujian province, China. Photo: THX/VNA

According to reporters in China, China's energy structure continues to be optimized, and the green and low-carbon transition has made positive progress, while simultaneously embarking on a path of energy transition that suits national conditions, adapts to global development trends, and aligns with the demands of the times. Mr. Bai Yunsheng, a member of the Strategic Advisory Committee of the China National Nuclear Corporation, stated that in the low-carbon energy transition process, nuclear energy is now a practical option that can achieve large-scale development and support low-carbon transition at low cost. The world cannot achieve carbon neutrality without the contribution of nuclear energy. According to statistics, in 2023, global nuclear power production reached 2.7 trillion kWh, accounting for approximately 9% of the world's total electricity production and 23% of the world's low-carbon electricity production. From 1971 to 2023, global nuclear power production contributed to a reduction of approximately 70 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions. In China, in 2023, the country's clean energy production reached approximately 3.1 trillion kWh, of which nuclear power accounted for 430 billion kWh, or more than 13%. Furthermore, in major power load centers such as Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Fujian, the proportion of nuclear power production has reached or exceeded 20%, effectively demonstrating the role of nuclear power in ensuring electricity supply, supporting the power grid, and reducing carbon emissions. To date, the total number of nuclear power units in operation and under construction nationwide has reached 102. Of these, the capacity of the operational units has reached 58.08 million kW. The capacity of the units under construction has reached 55.05 million kW, making China the world leader in both the number of operational units and the number of units under installation. The construction of nuclear power plants in China is progressing steadily. In 2023, the country approved five new nuclear power projects and commenced construction on five new nuclear power plants. Over the years, the country's nuclear power output has continuously increased, reaching over 433 billion kilowatt-hours in 2023, ranking second in the world. This figure is equivalent to a reduction in consumption of over 130 million tons of standard coal. The above data and information show that China is achieving rapid development in the field of nuclear power, not only leading the world in installed capacity but also playing a crucial role in technological innovation and clean energy supply.

China's nuclear power projects, with their completely independent intellectual property rights, exemplified by the high-temperature gas-cooled reactors "Hualong 1" and "Guohe 1," have become a giant leap forward in promoting the upgrading of nuclear energy technology, helping the country's high-tech strategy achieve leading breakthroughs; they are a crucial force in transforming China from a major nuclear energy power into a nuclear energy superpower.

China has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving towards sustainable development. Nuclear power is a crucial part of this strategy as it helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Chinese government has set specific targets for nuclear power development, including building more new plants and increasing the capacity of existing ones.

Unit 4 of the Fangcheng Port Nuclear Power Plant in Guangxi Province was connected to the national grid for the first time on April 9, 2024. (Image: Internet)

According to the report, the country's nuclear power safety continues to be maintained. In 2023, 33 of China's nuclear power plants achieved the maximum score on the composite index of the World Association of Nuclear Power Plants (WANO), a higher percentage of plants achieving the maximum score than other major nuclear power countries such as the United States and Russia.

As of September 30, 2023, China had 55 operational nuclear power plants (excluding Taiwan), with an installed capacity of nearly 57,000 MWe (megawatts). According to a 2023 report, by 2030, China's operational nuclear power capacity is expected to be the largest in the world. By 2035, China's nuclear power output is projected to account for approximately 10% of its total electricity production, doubling its 2022 output.

China's rise to the world's largest installed nuclear power capacity reflects a combination of growing energy demand, environmental commitments, investment in technology, and strategic energy policies. However, maintaining this position also presents numerous challenges related to safety, waste management, and public acceptance of nuclear energy.

Bui Tue