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China greenlights 30 nuclear reactors in historic clean energy push

Source: ft.com

TL;DR

China launches ambitious plan to build 30 major nuclear reactors by 2035, aiming to triple nuclear capacity to 150GW.
Project involves six state firms competing for sites, with first approvals expected soon to meet surging clean energy demand.
Initiative counters coal reliance amid AI data centre boom and power shortages, potentially slashing emissions.
Success hinges on unproven "new tech" reactors, risking delays in world's biggest nuclear expansion.

The story at a glance

China is fast-tracking the world's largest nuclear power build-out with 30 new reactors by 2035 to fuel its green transition. Reported now as Beijing approves sites amid energy crunch from booming data centres and coal curbs.

Key moments & milestones

2024: State council approves plan for six firms to build 30 reactors using "new tech" like Hualong Two and CAP1400.
Early 2025: First site approvals expected, kickstarting 150GW capacity target - double current 55GW.
2030: Midpoint goal of 120GW, overtaking US as top nuclear producer.
2035: Full rollout to meet 7% electricity from nuclear, up from 5%.

Signature highlights

Nuclear surge driven by AI data centres consuming power equivalent to 15 new reactors yearly; Tencent alone needs 3GW by 2027.
Six giants - CNNC, CGN, CPI, SPIC, China Huaneng, CEIC - vie for 20 coastal + 10 inland sites in competitive bidding.
"New tech" reactors promise faster builds (60-70 months) vs global 90+ months, but unproven at scale.
Plan adds to 28GW already under construction, targeting emissions cut of 2.5bn tonnes CO2 yearly by 2060.

Metric	Current	2030 Target	2035 Target
Capacity (GW)	55	120	150
Reactors	58 operating	+20	+30 total new

Key quotes

"This is the largest nuclear power programme ever conceived." - Fan Zhou, nuclear analyst at Mysteel

"Data centres are eating up clean power - nuclear is the only scalable solution." - energy ministry official

Why it matters

China's nuclear blitz could supercharge global clean energy race, pressuring rivals like US and Europe to accelerate while curbing coal's 60% grid dominance. Risks include safety scrutiny on rushed "new tech" and inland sites near population centres. Watch for first approvals by Q1 2025 - delays could hobble Beijing's carbon neutrality by 2060.