China Nuclear Energy Renaissance: How SMRs and Gen IV Reactors Are Reshaping the Country Power Grid

From Hualong One to Shidaowan HTGR, China Emerges as the Global Leader in Next-Generation Nuclear Technology

China nuclear energy program has entered a renaissance phase, with the country deploying Generation III+ reactors at unprecedented scale while simultaneously pioneering Generation IV designs that could reshape global energy economics.

The Scale of China Nuclear Buildout

China nuclear ambitions are unmatched globally:

• Over 50 reactors in commercial operation, with 20+ under construction
• Plans to build 150 additional reactors by 2035
• Nuclear capacity target of 120 GW by 2035 (up from approximately 55 GW today)
• China accounts for roughly 40% of all reactors under construction worldwide

Generation III+ Deployment

China Hualong One (HPR1000) reactor has become the workhorse of its nuclear expansion:

• domestically designed Generation III+ pressurized water reactor
• Successfully exported to Pakistan (Karachi units)
• Cost per unit declining with series production
• Construction times shortening as experience accumulates

Generation IV Breakthroughs

China is pushing beyond conventional reactors with cutting-edge designs:

• Shidaowan HTR-PM: World first commercial high-temperature gas-cooled pebble-bed reactor
• CFR600: Fast neutron reactor for spent fuel recycling
• Molten salt reactors: Research advancing for thorium fuel cycle
• Floating nuclear plants: Maritime-based reactors for island and coastal power supply

Economic Implications

China nuclear scale-up has profound economic consequences:

• Domestic nuclear supply chain reducing dependence on Western technology
• Export potential to Belt and Road nations seeking clean baseload power
• Nuclear energy costs declining through serial production
• Competition with renewable energy and natural gas intensifying

What It Means

China nuclear renaissance represents a strategic bet on nuclear as the foundation of its clean energy transition. While Western nations have largely stalled or abandoned nuclear new build programs due to cost overruns and public opposition, China has maintained consistent investment and is now reaping the benefits of scale. The country is positioning itself as the global supplier of choice for nations seeking nuclear power, potentially challenging Western nuclear technology dominance for decades.

Source: Analysis of global nuclear energy developments 2026