China has officially become the world’s largest nuclear power nation in terms of overall scale, according to the China Nuclear Energy Development Report 2025, released Sunday by the China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA).
As of now, China boasts 102 nuclear power units—including those operating, under construction, or approved for construction—with a combined installed capacity of 113 million kilowatts. This marks the first time the country has ranked first globally in nuclear power scale.
The blue book also revealed that by the end of 2024, China had 28 nuclear power units under construction, maintaining its global lead in nuclear construction capacity for the 18th consecutive year. Over the past year, China’s nuclear power generation reached 444.7 billion kilowatt-hours, accounting for 4.72 percent of the nation’s total electricity output and ranking second globally. The contribution of nuclear energy helped avoid approximately 334 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
With the current pace of construction, China’s operational nuclear power capacity is expected to surpass all other countries before 2030, according to the report.
Technological advancements have underpinned this rapid development. By 2024, China had achieved 100 percent localization of key nuclear equipment and complete independent control of core component technologies. Deliveries of domestically produced major nuclear equipment doubled from 2023 to reach 114 sets in 2024.
Cao Shudong, executive vice chairman of the CNEA, highlighted ongoing breakthroughs in independent research and development. He noted that Unit One of the Guohe One demonstration project has already been completed and put into operation, while the Linglong One project is scheduled for completion in 2026.
The report also emphasized the importance of promoting balanced nuclear power development, including making full use of existing coastal sites and advancing new project developments in an orderly manner.
China’s international nuclear cooperation is also expanding steadily. The country has strengthened ties with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), opened 12 nuclear research facilities to the world, and deepened collaborations with partners such as Russia and France.
The China Nuclear Energy Development Report 2025 was unveiled at the Spring Summit – International Forum on Nuclear Energy Sustainable Development, organized by the CNEA. During the event, Dong Baotong, head of the National Nuclear Safety Administration, stated that China’s nuclear industry has entered a peak period of large-scale construction. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high nuclear safety standards as the industry expands.
The nuclear sector’s growth comes amid global shifts, as nations respond to climate change, bolster energy security, and address surging electricity demand, particularly from expanding digital infrastructure like data centers.
Meanwhile, at a press conference on April 25, Huang Haihua, spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, announced that lawmakers will soon review a draft law on atomic energy. The review will take place during the 15th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, scheduled in Beijing from Sunday to Wednesday.
