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China’s nuclear energy goals unlikely to be upended by safety concerns amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

  • Beijing is positioning nuclear energy ‘as a key option to replace coal power in the coming decades’, Wood Mackenzie analyst says
  • The cost of nuclear power in China is competitive with coal power, and about half the cost of building new units in the US, UK or France

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A file photo of a Chinese nuclear power plant in Xinjiang. The country is expected to build around eight new nuclear reactors a year between last year and 2025 to meet its 2060 carbon-neutral goal, according to its 14th five-year development plan. Photo: Shutterstock
Yujie Xue
Beijing is expected to stand firm on developing China’s nuclear energy capabilities as part of its decarbonisation push, despite security concerns triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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The country is expected to overtake the United States and France to become the largest operator of nuclear power in the world by 2030, thanks to strong support by the central government.

“Nuclear power has support from the Chinese government, which is positioning it as a key option to replace coal power in the coming decades alongside wind, solar and hydro [power]. China has made huge progress in localising nuclear technology,” said Alex Whitworth, research director at the consultancy Wood Mackenzie.

Beijing’s nuclear energy push comes as decarbonisation pressures and security concerns sparked by Russia’s invasion lead to debate and soul searching among other major nuclear powers. For instance, in response to Russia’s invasion, officials in Germany proposed extending the lifespan of its nuclear power plants to ensure energy security, although this suggestion was later turned down.

But while some countries are aiming to become nuclear energy free – Belgium will shut down all seven of its nuclear reactors by 2025 and Spain will start a nuclear power phase-out in 2027 – China is expected to build around eight new nuclear reactors a year between last year and 2025 to meet its 2060 carbon-neutral goal, according to its 14th five-year development plan.

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