Nuclear power in China

As of November 2016, the People's Republic of China has 36 nuclear reactors operating with a capacity of 31.4 GW and 20 under construction with a capacity of 20.5 GW. Additional reactors are planned, providing 58 GW of capacity by 2020. China's National Development and Reform Commission has indicated the intention to raise the percentage of China's electricity produced by nuclear power from the current 2% to 6% by 2020 (compared to 20% in the United States and 74% in France). Nuclear power contributed 3% of the total production in 2015 – 170 billion kWh. Nuclear was the fastest-growing electricity source in 2015 (29% growth)

Due to increasing concerns about air quality, climate change and fossil fuel shortages, nuclear power has been looked into as an alternative to coal power in China. China has two major nuclear power companies, the China National Nuclear Corporation operating mainly in north-east China, and the China General Nuclear Power Group, - formerly known as China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group, - operating mainly in south-east China. The People's Republic of China is also involved in the development of nuclear fusion reactors through its participation in the ITER project, having constructed an experimental nuclear fusion reactor known as EAST located in Hefei, as well as research and development into the thorium fuel cycle as a potential alternative means of nuclear fission.

China wants to maximize self-reliance on nuclear reactor technology manufacturing and design although international cooperation and technology transfer are also encouraged. Advanced pressurized water reactors such as the Hualong One and the AP1000 are the mainstream technology in the near future. By mid-century fast neutron reactors are seen as the main technology. More long-term plans for future capacity are 120-150 GW by 2030. Fast neutron reactors are planned to contribute 1400 GW by 2100.

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