China Aims for 110 GW Nuclear Power Capacity by 2030
China's National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration have jointly released the "15th Five-Year Plan for the Construction of a New Power System." A key objective outlined in the plan is to significantly expand the nation's nuclear power capacity. By the year 2030, China aims to have approximately 110 gigawatts (GW) of installed nuclear power capacity. The plan emphasizes scientifically determining the layout and construction timeline for coastal nuclear power bases. It also promotes the large-scale construction of nuclear power plants and encourages research, development, and application of next-generation nuclear power technologies. Efforts will be made to reduce the costs of small modular reactors and foster innovation in the comprehensive utilization of nuclear energy and its commercial models. Furthermore, the plan targets the scaled development of solar thermal power generation, along with the promotion of biomass and geothermal energy generation tailored to local conditions. The utilization of marine energy is also slated for large-scale development. By 2030, the combined installed capacity for biomass, solar thermal, geothermal, and marine energy is expected to reach around 65 GW.
This directive signals a strategic shift towards diversifying China's energy portfolio with a substantial increase in nuclear power, alongside renewables like solar thermal, biomass, geothermal, and marine energy. The emphasis on "next-generation nuclear power technologies" and "small modular reactors" suggests a focus on advanced, potentially more efficient and safer, nuclear solutions. This move aims to balance energy security with decarbonization goals, leveraging nuclear power's low-carbon baseload capabilities. The plan's scale indicates a long-term commitment to nuclear energy, potentially influencing global supply chains for nuclear components and expertise. The simultaneous push for various renewables highlights a strategy to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on any single energy source and to harness diverse geographical advantages for energy production.
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