The nuclear fleet in China is expected to expand to 200GW by 2040.
By 2030, China is projected to surpass the United States as the world's largest producer of nuclear energy. According to local news outlet The Paper, the investment for these new reactors totals 200 billion yuan ($27 billion). The approvals include four reactors assigned to China National Nuclear for its Fangchenggang and Taishan facilities, with two reactors each allocated to China National Nuclear, State Power Investment, and China Huaneng Group.
The China Electricity Council forecasts that China's nuclear capacity will reach 65 gigawatts (GW) by the end of 2025, up from less than 60GW the previous year. A report from the China Nuclear Energy Association projects further growth, with nuclear capacity expected to reach 200GW by 2040, accounting for 10% of the nation’s electricity generation.
In 2023, China achieved a milestone by launching the world’s first commercial fourth-generation nuclear reactor at Shidao Bay. Operated by China Huaneng, this 200MW high-temperature gas-cooled reactor uses helium instead of water to generate electricity, marking a significant technological advancement.
On April 28, 2025, China’s cabinet approved the third phase of the Sanmen nuclear power plant in Zhejiang province, further expanding the country’s nuclear infrastructure. This development aligns with China’s broader focus on clean energy. In the first quarter of 2025, the nation generated over 951 terawatt hours (TWh) of clean electricity, with nuclear energy production rising 13% to 117TWh, according to energy think tank Ember.
These initiatives reflect China’s commitment to advancing its energy sector through sustainable technologies. The continued expansion of nuclear capacity is expected to enhance energy security and support the nation’s long-term environmental goals, contributing to a cleaner and more diversified energy mix.
