(Yicai) April 10 -- China is on course to becoming the world’s largest nuclear energy generator, with a total of 112 reactor units in operation, under construction, or approved. The number producing electricity will rise to 70 by the end of this year, according to the latest official figures.

The Chinese mainland has 62 operable reactors, 39 under construction, and 11 approved, with a combined capacity of 125 gigawatts, the National Nuclear Safety Administration announced at the main event of the 2026 National Security Education Day on nuclear safety held in Guangdong today. The capacity under construction accounts for more than half of the global total.

Between 2022 and last year, the government approved the construction of 41 new reactors. Based on investment of about CNY20 billion (USD2.8 billion) per unit, the country is spending more than CNY800 billion (USD110.4 billion) on newly approved projects alone.

The buildout is fueled by the country’s quest for energy security and carbon neutrality, and it has also stimulated rapid growth in related equipment manufacturing capacity. China has built the world’s most complete industrial chain and supply network for nuclear energy, one that can produce major reactor components for more than 10 new units each year. 

Nearly all critical machinery and core materials are now domestically designed, manufactured, and supplied, achieving a localization rate of more than 90 percent.

Safety remains the top priority at China General Nuclear Power Group, the nation’s largest state-owned atomic power operator, Chairman Yang Changli said. He reported that all 28 of Shenzhen-based CGN’s working reactors maintained perfect operational records in 2025, achieving “zero unplanned shutdowns.”

The Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station, CGN’s first and the China’s first large-scale commercial atomic power plant, continues to operate safely after 32 years of service. It has supplied over 330 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to Hong Kong, meeting roughly one-quarter of the city’s power needs.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Futura Costaglione