China Sets New Milestones in Nuclear Energy Expansion: Record-Breaking Achievements and Future Prospects

world's nuclear energy production, with the United States leading the way. Discover the current landscape and future projections of nuclear power globally.">
August 21, 2025

Global Nuclear Power Landscape: A Concentrated Force

A notable concentration of nuclear electricity production is held by just five countries, according to recent data from the International Atomic Energy Agency. The United states currently stands as the world’s leading producer of nuclear power, followed by France, China, Russia, and South Korea.This concentrated control shapes the global energy market and raises questions about energy security and future expansion.

The Current State of Nuclear Power

Currently, 31 countries worldwide operate nuclear power plants. the total number of nuclear reactors in operation globally stands at 416, possessing a combined installed power capacity of 376 gigawatts. This represents a substantial portion of the world’s low-carbon energy supply.

China’s Rapid Expansion

China is experiencing the fastest growth rate in nuclear power capacity. Since 1991, the nation has launched 57 reactors, with an additional 28 reactors – totaling 30 gigawatts of power – currently under construction. Upon completion of these projects, China is poised to surpass France in overall nuclear power capacity. This aggressive expansion highlights China’s commitment to nuclear energy as a key component of its energy mix.

United States: The Leading Producer

The United States remains the largest producer of nuclear energy globally, operating 94 reactors. In 2023, nuclear electricity accounted for 30% of the total global production. The advancement of commercial nuclear power in the U.S. began in the late 1950s with the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in pennsylvania, and the majority of current facilities were constructed between 1967 and 1990.

France and Russia’s Contributions

France is the second-largest nuclear power producer worldwide and the leading producer in Europe, operating 57 reactors. in 2023, these reactors generated 320 gigawatt-hours, constituting almost 65% of the country’s total electricity production. France’s substantial investment in nuclear power after the oil crises of the 1970s demonstrates a strategic focus on energy independence.

Russia currently maintains 36 reactors with a total power output of 27 gigawatts, and another four are under construction. State-owned Rosatom is actively modernizing its reactor fleet, replacing older models with more efficient VVER-1000 and VVER-1200 designs.

South Korea: A Technology exporter

South Korea operates 26 reactors,with two more currently being constructed.Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, a state-owned enterprise, has established itself as a significant exporter of nuclear technology. The company has already built the Barakah Nuclear power Plant in the United Arab Emirates and is slated to provide technology for the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant expansion project in the Czech Republic.

Country	Number of Reactors	Total Power (GW)	percentage of Global production (2023)
United States	94	N/A	30%
France	57	N/A	N/A
China	N/A	N/A	N/A
Russia	36	27	N/A
South korea	26	N/A	N/A

Did You No? Nuclear power currently provides approximately 10% of the world’s electricity, offering a substantial, low-carbon energy source.

Pro Tip: Understanding the geographical distribution of nuclear power helps assess global energy dependencies and potential vulnerabilities.

As the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources, nuclear power’s role will be pivotal. Will China’s rapid expansion reshape the global nuclear landscape? What impact will modernization efforts in Russia have on reactor efficiency and safety?

What role do you believe nuclear power should play in the future energy mix, and what safeguards are necessary to ensure its safe and responsible deployment?

The Future of Nuclear Energy

The nuclear energy sector is poised for continued evolution, with advancements in reactor technology driving increased efficiency and safety. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), for example, are gaining traction as a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to conventional large-scale plants. Addressing concerns regarding nuclear waste disposal and proliferation remains crucial for the long-term sustainability of this energy source.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nuclear Power

What is nuclear power?

Nuclear power is electricity generated from controlled nuclear fission,a process that releases energy from the nucleus of an atom.

Which country has the most nuclear power plants?

The United States currently has the most nuclear power plants, with 94 reactors in operation.

Is nuclear power a renewable energy source?

While nuclear power doesn’t rely on finite fossil fuels, it’s not considered renewable due to the use of uranium, which is a finite resource. However, it is often categorized as a clean energy source due to its low carbon emissions.

What are the main concerns surrounding nuclear power?

The primary concerns include nuclear waste disposal, the potential for accidents, and the risk of nuclear proliferation.

What are small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?

Small Modular Reactors are smaller, factory-built nuclear reactors designed for easier and faster deployment, offering increased flexibility and potentially lower costs.

How does France generate so much of its electricity from nuclear?

France invested heavily in nuclear energy following the oil crises of the 1970s, aiming for energy independence. They built a large fleet of reactors, which now provide the majority of their electricity.

Is China’s growth in nuclear power sustainable?

China’s enterprising expansion of nuclear power is a key component of its energy strategy. its sustainability will depend on factors like resource availability, safety regulations, and waste management solutions.

Share your thoughts on the future of nuclear power in the comments below!

How dose China’s rapid construction and commissioning of nuclear reactors compare to global averages, and what factors contribute to this accelerated pace?

Record-Breaking Reactor Construction & Commissioning

China is experiencing an unprecedented boom in nuclear energy development, solidifying its position as a global leader in the field.2024 and the frist half of 2025 have seen record numbers of new reactor connections to the grid. This isn’t just about quantity; it’s about speed and innovation.

Units Commissioned in 2024: Six new nuclear power units were connected to the grid,adding over 6 gigawatts (GW) of capacity. This included units at the Taishan, hongyanhe, and Sanmen nuclear power plants.

Units Commissioned in H1 2025: Already in the first six months of 2025, four new units have begun operation, further boosting China’s nuclear capacity.

Construction Starts: Simultaneously, construction has commenced on several new projects, including the Linglong One exhibition project – a small modular reactor (SMR). This highlights China’s commitment to diversifying its nuclear technology portfolio.

Total Capacity: As of August 2025, China boasts over 55 GW of installed nuclear capacity, surpassing France and approaching the United States.

This rapid expansion is driven by a national strategy to reduce reliance on coal, improve air quality, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Nuclear power is viewed as a crucial component of this energy transition.

Advanced Reactor Technologies: Leading the Way

China isn’t simply building more of the same. It’s actively investing in and deploying cutting-edge nuclear technologies. This focus on innovation is a key differentiator.

Hualong One: The Flagship Reactor

The Hualong One, a domestically developed Generation III reactor, is becoming the workhorse of China’s nuclear program.

Design features: Hualong One incorporates enhanced safety features, including a core catcher to mitigate severe accident risks. It also boasts improved fuel efficiency and operational flexibility.

Global export Potential: China is actively marketing Hualong One internationally, with projects under consideration in Pakistan and other countries. This represents a meaningful chance for China to become a major exporter of nuclear technology.

Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to earlier designs, hualong One aims for lower construction costs and shorter build times, making it a more attractive option for developing nations.

Thorium Molten Salt Reactors (TMSR)

China is a world leader in the development of Thorium Molten Salt Reactors. These reactors offer several potential advantages:

Fuel Abundance: Thorium is significantly more abundant then uranium, offering a more enduring fuel source.

Enhanced Safety: TMSRs operate at atmospheric pressure, reducing the risk of a large-scale coolant loss accident.

Waste Reduction: TMSRs can possibly consume existing nuclear waste, reducing the long-term burden of radioactive storage.

Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics (SINAP): SINAP is at the forefront of TMSR research, with a pilot-scale reactor under construction.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

China’s Linglong One project is a pivotal step in SMR development.

advantages of SMRs: SMRs offer greater flexibility, scalability, and reduced upfront capital costs compared to conventional large-scale reactors.

Deployment Scenarios: SMRs are well-suited for remote locations, industrial heat applications, and replacing coal-fired power plants.

Linglong One Details: The linglong One is a 125 MW(e) pressurized water reactor designed for island power supply and other distributed energy applications.

Supply Chain & Domestic Manufacturing Capabilities

A critical factor in China’s nuclear expansion is its robust and increasingly self-sufficient supply chain.

Domestic Component Manufacturing: China has significantly reduced its reliance on foreign suppliers for key nuclear components, including reactor vessels, steam generators, and control systems.

State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs): Companies like China National Nuclear Corporation (CN