How Many Nuclear Power Plants are in China?
China has been rapidly expanding its nuclear power capacity in recent years, with a goal of increasing its nuclear power generation to 58 gigawatts (GW) by 2025. As of 2022, China has a total of 53 operational nuclear power plants, with a combined capacity of 53.8 GW. This makes China the world’s largest operator of nuclear power plants, surpassing the United States.
History of Nuclear Power in China
China’s nuclear power program began in the 1950s, with the construction of its first nuclear power plant, the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, in 1985. The plant was a joint venture between China and the Soviet Union. Since then, China has been steadily increasing its nuclear power capacity, with a focus on indigenously developed technology.
Current Nuclear Power Plants in China
China has a total of 53 operational nuclear power plants, with 23 plants located on the eastern coast, 14 plants in the central region, and 16 plants in the western region. The majority of these plants are pressurized water reactors (PWRs), with a smaller number of boiling water reactors (BWRs) and heavy water reactors (HWRs).
Here is a breakdown of the types of nuclear power plants in China:
- Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs): 44 plants, with a combined capacity of 44.4 GW
- Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs): 6 plants, with a combined capacity of 4.4 GW
- Heavy Water Reactors (HWRs): 3 plants, with a combined capacity of 5.2 GW
Upcoming Nuclear Power Plants in China
China has a significant number of nuclear power plants under construction, with a total capacity of 20.6 GW. These plants are expected to come online in the coming years, with the majority of them expected to be operational by 2025.
Here is a breakdown of the upcoming nuclear power plants in China:
- Under Construction: 19 plants, with a combined capacity of 19.4 GW
- Planned: 14 plants, with a combined capacity of 1.2 GW
Nuclear Power Capacity in China by Province
China’s nuclear power capacity is spread across several provinces, with the majority of it located in the eastern coast. Here is a breakdown of the nuclear power capacity in China by province:
| Province | Number of Plants | Capacity (GW) |
|---|---|---|
| Zhejiang | 11 | 11.4 |
| Jiangsu | 8 | 8.4 |
| Shandong | 6 | 6.2 |
| Fujian | 4 | 4.2 |
| Guangdong | 3 | 3.1 |
| Hubei | 3 | 3.1 |
| Hunan | 2 | 2.2 |
| Sichuan | 2 | 2.2 |
| Yunnan | 1 | 1.1 |
| Xinjiang | 1 | 1.1 |
Nuclear Power Generation in China
China’s nuclear power generation has been steadily increasing over the years, with a total generation of 343.8 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2020. This accounts for 4.5% of China’s total electricity generation.
Here is a breakdown of China’s nuclear power generation by type of reactor:
| Reactor Type | Generation (billion kWh) |
|---|---|
| PWRs | 314.8 |
| BWRs | 14.2 |
| HWRs | 14.8 |
Conclusion
China has a significant number of nuclear power plants, with a total capacity of 53.8 GW. The country is expected to continue expanding its nuclear power capacity in the coming years, with a goal of increasing its nuclear power generation to 58 GW by 2025. China’s nuclear power program is expected to play a major role in the country’s energy mix, providing a clean and reliable source of electricity.
