China is projected to overtake the United States in nuclear power generation capacity within six years, by 2032. China's rapid nuclear expansion provides a significant advantage in the artificial intelligence sector, which requires massive amounts of electricity.
According to a Bloomberg analysis of corporate announcements, construction plans, and projections from major nuclear nations released on the 5th (local time), China's nuclear power capacity is expected to grow from 93GW this year to 102GW by 2032. Meanwhile, the United States, currently the world leader, will see its capacity increase from 98GW to just 101GW over the same period, falling behind China.
Bloomberg projects China will maintain its aggressive growth trajectory, expanding capacity to 246GW by 2055—more than triple the projected U.S. capacity of 78GW, which is expected to decline gradually.
China's nuclear boom is underpinned by substantial government support, including generous subsidies and low-interest loans. Construction costs for new nuclear plants in China currently run at one-fifth of those in the United States and Europe. "This stands in stark contrast to competitors including the U.S., France, and Russia, which have been hamstrung by construction costs and approval delays," Bloomberg noted.
The Donald Trump administration has promised a "nuclear renaissance" through expanded construction of new reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs). However, not a single new project has broken ground.
"Expanding nuclear capabilities will give China a decisive advantage in AI, where securing large-scale power supplies is essential," Bloomberg analyzed.
