Nuclear energy is experiencing a renaissance all around the world, and China is betting big on its domestic capabilities. Wang Binghua, Director of the China Nuclear Energy Association, stated on Monday that nuclear energy will supply around 10% of China’s electricity by 2035. By 2060, he expects China’s installed nuclear power capacity to reach around 400 million kilowatts, and supply approximately 18% of China’s electrical needs.
China currently has 55 operable nuclear reactors, with a combined net capacity of 53.3 GWe.
Speaking at the 6th China Nuclear Energy Public Communication and Exchange Conference in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Wang Binghua emphasized the pivotal role of nuclear energy in China’s future, “In the context of achieving both carbon reduction goals and ensuring sustained economic growth, nuclear energy has proven to possess unique advantages, offering substantial strategic support for China’s economic and social development.”
China is a dominant force in the global nuclear market, with 21 reactors under construction as of July 2022. The country has recently reached important milestones in its nuclear endeavors. Notably, hot functional tests have commenced at Unit 4 of the Fangchenggang nuclear power plant in China’s Guangxi Autonomous Region. Overcoming various challenges, including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Unit 3 achieved a significant breakthrough by achieving first criticality on December 27, 2022, and subsequently entered commercial operation on March 25th.
