Nuclear power is China’s key for transitioning to a fully renewable grid design

Between late 2016 and August 2026, China connected 27 new nuclear reactors to its grid, establishing itself as the world's leader in nuclear power plant construction, according to Dr. Jacopo Buongiorno. These nuclear power plants make up a small fraction of China's current power throughput, but they play a crucial role in the country's electricity generation, as they provide a constant power source needed to stabilize the grid.

China's electricity demand has surged to 10 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2025, driven primarily by advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence, with renewable energy sources now accounting for 22% of the country's generation capacity. China's nuclear power plants supply continuous baseload output, which is essential for maintaining a stable and fully operational electrical network.

With 64 commercial reactors currently operating and producing 63.9 gigawatts, China is building 37 more units totaling 38.5 gigawatts, with the State Council approving 10 or more reactors annually since 2022. The country's nuclear reactor construction speed is facilitated by standardization and state financing, with domestic suppliers manufacturing nearly every component needed for a new reactor and developers borrowing at extremely low interest rates.

By 2030, China aims to have 110 gigawatts of installed nuclear capacity, bringing its power mix to 50% non-fossil energy sources.