China Leads Global Nuclear Expansion With 36 Reactors Under Construction And Nearly 59 GW Operational Capacity—EIA

China has emerged as one of the world’s leading nations in nuclear power development, significantly expanding its nuclear energy capacity over the past decade. Between 2016 and 2024, the country increased its nuclear power generation capacity by 76 percent, adding around 24 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity. The growth has continued in recent years, with China adding 1.1 GW in 2025 and another 2.2 GW during the first five months of 2026.

This rapid expansion has positioned China at the center of global nuclear development. The country currently has 36 nuclear reactors under construction, accounting for nearly half of all nuclear reactors being built worldwide. China’s large-scale construction program reflects its commitment to increasing clean and reliable energy production while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Most of China’s operational nuclear power plants are located along its eastern coastline, near major population centers. These facilities stretch from Liaoning Province in the north to Hainan Province in the south. The majority of reactors currently operating in the country use pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology. As of May 2026, China had 60 operational reactors across 18 sites, with a combined installed capacity of 58.7 GW.

A key factor behind China’s success in nuclear expansion is its standardized approach to project development. Instead of constructing individual reactors separately, the country often develops multiple units at a single site, typically in batches of six to ten reactors. This strategy helps reduce costs, improve efficiency, and simplify licensing and construction processes.

China has also focused on building a strong domestic nuclear supply chain. By manufacturing major plant components within the country, it has reduced reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthened its ability to deliver projects quickly.

The results of this approach are evident in construction timelines. Between 2012 and 2021, the average time required to build a nuclear reactor in China was approximately six years, compared to a global average of nine years. Recent projects have maintained similar schedules, with reactors being completed in five to seven years.

Nuclear development remains highly active across the country. China began construction of six new reactors in 2025 and launched two additional projects, Xuwei-1 and Taipingling-4, in early 2026. During the same period, Sanao-1 and Taipingling-1 entered commercial operation. The 36 reactors currently under construction are expected to add 38.9 GW of new capacity.

China is also advancing innovation through Linglong-1, the country’s first small modular reactor (SMR). The 100-megawatt reactor is designed for electricity generation, desalination, and district heating, and is expected to begin commercial operations during the first half of 2026.