China has approved the construction of eight new nuclear generating units across four major projects, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest market for nuclear power expansion.
The decision was approved by the State Council during a meeting chaired by Premier Li Qiang, with the new Chinese nuclear reactors set to be built in Zhejiang, Guangdong, Liaoning, and Shandong provinces.
The latest investment is expected to exceed 170 billion yuan (approximately $25.2bn), continuing China’s rapid programme of nuclear development.
The approval follows the country’s decision to authorise 10 new nuclear units in 2025, demonstrating a sustained commitment to expanding low-carbon electricity generation.
The newly approved projects will feature six Hualong One (HPR1000) reactors and two Guohe One (CAP1400) reactors.
Alongside a growing fleet already under construction, the expansion further strengthens China’s long-term strategy to improve energy security, reduce carbon emissions and support rising electricity demand from industry and emerging technologies.
Eight new Chinese nuclear reactors approved
The State Council has approved four nuclear power projects, each comprising two reactors.
The approved developments include:
- Two Hualong One reactors at the Jinqimen Phase II project in Zhejiang Province
- Two Hualong One reactors at the Taipingling Phase III project in Guangdong Province
- Two Hualong One reactors at the Zhuanghe nuclear power station in Liaoning Province
- Two Guohe One (CAP1400) reactors at the Laiyang site in Shandong Province
Among these, the Jinqimen and Taipingling projects have been selected as demonstration sites for the next-generation Hualong One 2.0 design.
Hualong One 2.0 takes centre stage
Hualong One 2.0 represents the latest evolution of China’s domestically developed third-generation pressurised water reactor technology.
The design incorporates lessons learned from earlier Hualong One projects alongside a range of engineering improvements intended to enhance operational performance, safety and construction efficiency.
China has already brought 10 Hualong One reactors into commercial operation in domestic and international markets.
A further 37 units have now been approved for construction, highlighting the technology’s central role in the country’s nuclear programme.
The continued deployment of indigenous reactor designs also supports Beijing’s ambition to strengthen its domestic nuclear supply chain while increasing the export potential of Chinese reactor technology.
Why China is rapidly expanding nuclear power
China’s nuclear expansion forms part of a broader strategy to meet soaring electricity demand while reducing dependence on coal-fired generation.
Rapid industrial growth, electrification of transport, large-scale manufacturing, AI data centres and expanding digital infrastructure are driving significant increases in electricity consumption.
Nuclear power provides a reliable source of low-carbon baseload electricity that complements intermittent renewable energy such as wind and solar.
Expanding Chinese nuclear reactors also helps improve energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and supports China’s long-term target of achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.
Industry figures published in April 2026 show China had reached 125GW of installed nuclear capacity, with 60 reactors already operating commercially and another 36 under construction.
With the latest approvals, the country continues to build the world’s largest pipeline of new nuclear power projects, positioning nuclear energy as a cornerstone of its future electricity system.
