China has become self-sufficient in most aspects of the fuel cycle. The country aims to produce one-third of its uranium domestically, obtain one-third through foreign equity in mines and joint ventures overseas, and to purchase one-third on the open market.
China has become largely self-sufficient in reactor design and construction, as well as other aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. The strong impetus for nuclear power in China is increasingly due to air pollution from coal-fired plants.
Asia is the main region in the world where electricity generating capacity and specifically nuclear power is growing significantly. The greatest growth in nuclear generation is expected in China.
Prior to enrichment, uranium oxide must be converted to a fluoride so that it can be processed as a gas, at low temperature. Conversion plants are operating commercially in Canada, China, France, Russia and the USA.
Continuing the strong cooperation between Chinese and international nuclear companies will ensure that China can play its part in the global nuclear supply chain. WNA Director General Agneta Rising said: "We must build on the international partnerships forged in developing China's nuclear generation programme so that China can play its part in delivering the global expansion of clean and reliable nuclear energy the world so clearly needs."
The world’s first AP1000 power reactor (developed by US-based Westinghouse) was connected to the grid at Sanmen in China and generated electricity for the first time on Saturday 30th June. This came a day after the world’s first EPR (developed by France’s Framatome) was connected at Taishan, also in China. The official start of electricity production from these two advanced reactors marks the beginning of a new chapter for the global nuclear industry. It is also a proud day for China’s burgeoning nuclear sector and testimony to the rich benefits of international cooperation in nuclear innovation.
The strong growth of nuclear generation in China is one of the features discussed in the World Nuclear Performance Report 2018 – Asia Edition, which wa launched at the Singapore International Energy Week conference.
A detailed list of the multitude of companies and organisations involved in China's nuclear energy scene.
While India and China are alike in having large aspirations to produce clean energy in the 21st century using nuclear power, the two countries occupy quite different positions in relation to the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Mainland China has 55 operable reactors, primarily at sites along its southeast coastline.
Taiwan has two operable nuclear power reactors with a combined capacity of 1874 MWe.
Taiwan shut down its last reactor, Maanshan 2, on 17 May 2025
Mainland China has 58 operable reactors with a total capacity of 57 GWe.
China operates the world’s second largest fleet of reactors and has the largest nuclear construction programme. State-backed financing and continuous approvals underpin rapid expansion, with capacity projections rising sharply toward mid-century, with new large reactors and SMRs.