China has reached a record-breaking level in the total installed capacity of its nuclear power plants, securing its position as a global leader in the sector.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing TASS, that China now leads the world with a total nuclear power plant capacity of 125 million kW. This data was highlighted in the "Nuclear Energy Development Report for 2026 (Blue Book)" issued by the China Nuclear Energy Association.
According to the report, China currently has 60 nuclear power units in commercial operation. Furthermore, 36 units are presently under construction, accounting for more than half of the nuclear reactors being built globally. The government has also approved an additional 16 power units, which are scheduled for commissioning in the near future. The report further notes that China commenced the construction of two new power units in 2026 and plans to bring seven more units online by the end of the year.
The rapid expansion of nuclear energy is a cornerstone of China's broader strategy to ensure energy security and meet its ambitious carbon neutrality goals. By investing heavily in domestic nuclear technology and infrastructure, Beijing aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and stabilize its national power grid. This massive scale of construction reflects a global shift toward nuclear energy as a reliable, low-carbon alternative to coal and gas, with China currently positioned as the primary driver of this industrial growth.
