China Approves $31 Billion for 11 New Nuclear Reactors Across Five Sites

China has approved the construction of 11 new nuclear reactors across five sites, with a total investment of approximately 220 billion yuan ($31 billion). This marks a record number of permits as the government intensifies its reliance on nuclear energy to reduce carbon emissions. The State Council’s approval includes reactors in Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Guangxi. The construction is expected to take about five years.

Expansion of Nuclear Capacity

China, already leading globally in nuclear reactor construction, plans to approve around 10 new reactors annually for the next three to five years. With 56 reactors currently in operation, nuclear energy now accounts for about 5% of the country’s total electricity demand. By 2030, China is projected to surpass France and the U.S. as the world’s largest atomic power generator.

Key Players and Projects

State-owned entities such as China General Nuclear Power Corp. (CGN), China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC), and State Power Investment Corp. are the primary players in these new projects. CGN received approvals for six reactors across three sites, CNNC for three reactors, and State Power Investment Corp. for two units.

Advanced Reactor Designs

The new projects feature advanced reactor designs, including a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor at the Xuwei plant in Jiangsu, to be operated by CNNC. This fourth-generation reactor provides both heat and electricity with enhanced safety features. The Hualong One reactor design, which utilizes mostly Chinese-made components, continues to dominate new projects, with two reactors approved for CNNC and six for CGN.