China on the Path to Becoming a Global Leader in Nuclear Energy

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China has approved the construction of a record 11 nuclear reactors at 5 different sites with a total value of $31 billion, following the approval of 10 new reactors in each of the previous two years. This is part of China's ongoing efforts to address the increase in energy consumption while also meeting the decarbonisation goals. Although China is a global technological leader in renewables, coal still makes up more than 60% of its energy mix. In China, there are 56 operational nuclear reactors (the same number as in France) and 30 more are under construction. However, nuclear energy currently contributes only 5 percent to China's energy mix. A significant step towards alleviating concerns related to nuclear energy security was the recent successful demonstration of a nuclear reactor capable of passive cooling in an emergency, even in the event of an external power supply failure. 

Although China faces challenges related to seismic activity, a shortage of qualified labor, the supply of nuclear fuel, and the management of nuclear waste, as well as public protests, China's actions confirm the trend of supporting nuclear energy and its potential revitalization not only in China but also elsewhere in the world. These actions also suggest that even global leaders in green technologies will incorporate sources offering high efficiency and stability of energy production into their energy mixes. China's steps towards increasing the safety of nuclear energy may further strengthen these trends. Although the new passive cooling technology is not applicable to existing reactors, it may serve as a model for the future. China's successes or possible failures in the field of nuclear energy could therefore be defining for the revitalization of nuclear energy worldwide. In addition to environmental, decarbonization, and energy goals, China's efforts may also have significant implications for its geopolitical ambitions. Nuclear energy can enhance China's energy self-sufficiency and security, while also serving as a tool of exerting influence globally, as China is not only a passive consumer of nuclear energy but also one of the countries with its own technology for designing, constructing, and operating nuclear power plants. Moreover, it is on track to become the world's leader in nuclear energy capacity by the 2030s.