China has authorized the construction of eight new nuclear reactors across four distinct projects, representing an investment of over 160 000 million yuan (approximately 23 700 million dollars). According to reports from the financial portal Yicai, the State Council approved these projects, which will exclusively utilize domestically developed, third-generation nuclear technologies.
Project Breakdown and Technological Scope
The newly approved projects are distributed across several provinces. The State Council estimates the cost for each individual reactor at approximately 20 000 million yuan (3 000 million dollars). The approved sites include the second phase of the Jinqimen plant in Zhejiang, the first phase of the Zhuanghe plant in Liaoning, the third phase of the Taipingling plant in Guangdong, and the first phase of the Laiyang plant in Shandong.
Technological deployment varies by site. The Jinqimen, Zhuanghe, and Taipingling projects are slated to use the Hualong One, a third-generation pressurized water reactor developed by China. The Laiyang project will utilize the Guohe One, another reactor of the same type and generation conceived by another entity in the Asian country. According to specialized Chinese media, the Jinqimen II and Taipingling III reactors will serve as demonstration units for the Hualong One 2.0 version, which is presented as an evolution with better safety and profitability metrics.
Did you know?
Since 2022, China has approved 49 nuclear reactors. This represents a total investment of nearly one trillion yuan (148.100 millones de dólares).
Strategic Context: Energy Security and Decarbonization
Data from the National Energy Administration indicates that between 2021 and 2025, China authorized 46 nuclear units. Currently, the nation manages a fleet of 120 reactors that are either in operation, under construction, or approved, reaching a combined capacity of 135 millones de kilovatios, the largest scale in the world.
The new energy plan for the 2026–2030 period foresees developing nuclear energy in a “safe and orderly” manner. As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China has committed to reaching peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Comparison of Development Phases
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Approved (Since 2022) | 49 Reactors |
| Total Investment | Nearly one trillion yuan (148.100 millones de dólares) |
| Current Capacity | 135 millones de kilovatios |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Hualong One reactor? It is a third-generation pressurized water reactor developed by China.
- How many reactors does China currently have? China has 120 reactors either in operation, under construction, or approved.
- Why is China building more nuclear plants? The expansion is framed by Beijing in its objectives for energy security, technological self-sufficiency, and emission reductions.
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