Top 7 China Nuclear Energy Companies 2025
China operates 56 commercial nuclear reactors with 58 GW installed capacity and has 20+ reactors under construction, making it the world most active nuclear newbuild market. The domestically-developed Hualong One (HPR1000) third-generation reactor has been successfully exported to Pakistan, with Argentina and UK projects in negotiation. China aims for 150 GW nuclear capacity by 2035.
TL;DR: China operates 56 reactors (58 GW) with 20+ under construction, the world most active nuclear newbuild. Hualong One reactor achieves export success in Pakistan. Target: 150 GW by 2035.
Top Companies
CGN (中广核)
28 GW nuclear capacityChina General Nuclear Power Group operates 28 GW of nuclear capacity across China and is developing Hualong One reactors for export. CGN is the majority partner in the Hinkley Point C project in the UK and leads China nuclear technology export strategy.
CNNC (中核集团)
30 GW nuclear capacityChina National Nuclear Corporation is the country largest nuclear operator with 30 GW capacity and comprehensive nuclear fuel cycle capabilities from uranium mining to spent fuel reprocessing. CNNC developed the ACP1000/HPR1000 reactor technology forming the basis of Hualong One.
SPIC (国家电投)
Hualong One + CAP1400State Power Investment Corporation operates nuclear plants and developed the CAP1400 large reactor and Linglong One (ACP100) small modular reactor. The Linglong One SMR received construction license for the first commercial SMR project at Hainan Changjiang.
CNNC Nuclear Power (中国核电)
CNNC listed subsidiaryThe listed subsidiary of CNNC operates 25 nuclear reactor units with 23 GW capacity. The company generates 150+ TWh annually and is responsible for operating China first nuclear power plant at Qinshan and the AP1000 projects at Sanmen and Haiyang.
Dongfang Electric (东方电气)
Nuclear equipment manufacturerDongfang Electric is China leading nuclear steam supply system manufacturer, producing reactor pressure vessels, steam generators, and turbine generators for domestic nuclear plants. The company has supplied equipment for Hualong One and CAP1400 reactor projects.
Shanghai Electric (上海电气)
Nuclear island equipmentShanghai Electric produces nuclear island equipment including reactor coolant pumps, pressurizers, and containment vessels. The company is a key supplier for both Hualong One and imported AP1000/EPR reactor projects in China.
CNNC Fuel (中核燃料)
Nuclear fuel fabricationCNNC Fuel provides nuclear fuel fabrication services including uranium conversion, enrichment, and fuel assembly manufacturing. The company supplies fuel assemblies for all types of reactors operating in China and exported fuel to Pakistan Chashma nuclear plant.
Comparison Table
| Company | Role | Capacity/GW | Key Technology | Export Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CGN | Operator+developer | 28 | Hualong One | Pakistan, UK (HPC) |
| CNNC | Operator+fuel cycle | 30 | HPR1000/ACP100 | Pakistan, Argentina |
| SPIC | Operator+developer | 15 | CAP1400,Linglong One | Turkey interest |
| CNNC NP | Operator (listed) | 23 | AP1000,HPR1000 | Domestic |
| Dongfang Electric | Equipment supplier | N/A | Steam supply systems | Pakistan |
| Shanghai Electric | Equipment supplier | N/A | Nuclear island | Domestic |
| CNNC Fuel | Fuel cycle | N/A | Fuel fabrication | Pakistan |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is China nuclear construction pipeline?
China has 20+ reactors under construction totaling 24 GW, with plans to approve 6-10 new reactors annually through 2035. Key projects include Hualong One units at Fangchenggang, Changjiang, and Zhangzhou, plus Linglong One SMR at Hainan. China target is 150 GW nuclear capacity by 2035, requiring approximately 10-12 GW of new capacity per year.
How safe are Chinese nuclear reactors?
China third-generation reactors (Hualong One, CAP1400) incorporate post-Fukushima safety features including double containment, core catchers, passive cooling systems, and aircraft crash protection. China nuclear fleet operates at over 90% capacity factor with zero Level 4+ incidents. The World Association of Nuclear Operators rates Chinese plants among the top-performing globally.
Can China export nuclear technology?
Yes, China has already exported nuclear technology to Pakistan (Chashma and K-2/K-3 Hualong One projects) and is negotiating with Argentina (Atucha III), Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The Hualong One design offers competitive pricing and faster construction timelines compared to Western alternatives, though regulatory approval in Western markets remains challenging.
How does China's nuclear power cost compare to other energy sources?
China's third-generation nuclear plants like Hualong One achieve levelized costs of 0.35-0.40 RMB/kWh, competitive with coal in coastal provinces. The country's nuclear construction costs are 30-40% lower than Western equivalents due to standardized design, serial construction, and domestic supply chain maturation.
What is China's progress on small modular reactors (SMRs)?
CNNC's Linglong One (ACP100) SMR at Changjiang, Hainan began construction in 2021 and is expected to operate by 2026. With 125 MWe capacity, it is designed for flexible power generation, district heating, and seawater desalination in remote areas and island regions.