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China has unveiled an ambitious plan to become the world's largest nuclear exporter, with plans to build 100 new nuclear reactors over the next 10 years. China's plan not only aims to cement the country as a leader in nuclear energy, but also to strengthen its position on the geopolitical stage and expand its influence in developing markets.
China’s goal is clear: to build 10 new reactors per year, for a total of 100 by 2035. This strategy, considered “realistic” by Tian Jiashu, deputy secretary general of the China National Nuclear Corporation, has already begun to be put into practice. In 2024 alone, the country approved the construction of 11 reactors, breaking approval records and setting the tone for the next decade.
If the pace is maintained, China's nuclear capacity could quadruple to 200 gigawatts, representing 10% of domestic demand of electricity by 2035. In the long term, the goal is to reach 400 gigawatts by 2060.
Global competition: China overtaking France and the US
China’s plan is not just about quantity. With this expansion, Beijing would leave behind traditional powers such as France and the United States, taking the top spot as the largest operator of nuclear energy. This advance complements China’s already established leadership in renewable energies, such as solar and wind.
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Although nuclear power represents only a fraction of the country’s energy mix, it is crucial to China’s decarbonization goals. Unlike intermittent renewables such as solar and wind, nuclear power offers a stable and reliable source of energy that is free of CO2 emissions.
Technology export: a new revolution
Inspired by its success in the solar and wind power industries, China’s plan includes exporting nuclear technology. The country is already one of the few suppliers of nuclear technology in the world, but it wants to establish itself as the world’s largest nuclear exporter, offering affordable and efficient solutions to developing countries.
A notable example of this leadership is the HTR-PM reactor, considered one of the safest nuclear technologies in the world. With an innovative design that prevents meltdowns, it is the only operational SMR reactor globally. This technology, combined with low production costs, puts China at an advantage over its competitors.
Challenges on the horizon
Despite the strength of China’s state-owned sector, which is leading the country’s nuclear development through companies such as China National Nuclear Power Co. and State Power Investment Corp., the expansion will require more than government support. To keep pace, it will need to attract private investment, which currently accounts for just 20 percent of the sector. The goal is to double that share to 50 percent.
Challenges such as stringent safety standards, logistical issues and a shortage of suitable coastal sites could hamper implementation of the plan. In inland regions, water resource management also poses a hurdle.
The future of nuclear energy in global leadership
With a well-defined strategy, China’s plan is not just a promise, but a calculated path to redefine the global nuclear energy market. The goal of becoming the world’s largest nuclear exporter reinforces the country’s ambition to lead not only the energy transition, but also the geopolitics of energy in the 21st century.
Those who criticize China or any other country that challenges the hegemony of the US and its G7 group, I must say that such a group comprises the most developed countries in the world, get used to seeing a China increasingly advanced in all scientific, technological, military and even space areas, I am not saying that China will surpass the US in everything but it will be a rival capable of competing and often surpassing the great American power.