China has claimed the top global spot for installed nuclear power capacity. According to information released by the China Nuclear Energy Association, the nation’s total operational nuclear capacity has now reached 125 million kW.
Presently, 60 commercial nuclear reactors are active across China, with an additional 36 power units currently under construction—representing more than half of all nuclear facilities being built worldwide. Furthermore, 16 more units have secured approval and are awaiting the commencement of construction. This year alone, work has begun on two new units within the country, and there are plans to bring seven units into service.
Concurrently, China is pursuing its extended objective to augment its installed nuclear power capacity. Central to this endeavor is the nation’s reliance on indigenous technology, notably the Hualong One reactor, which is being deployed at new sites. This is a three-loop pressurized water reactor (PWR). Its designed service life spans 60 years, and each Hualong One unit has an installed capacity of roughly 1200 MWe, capable of generating approximately 10 billion kWh of electricity annually.
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