China’s nuclear energy fleet is on the global safety podium. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment reports the Chinese mainland now operates 102 nuclear power units—58 of which hold operating licences—and boasts 113 million kilowatts of capacity, ranking first in the world.
These reactors have logged over 600 reactor years of safe operation, a milestone reflecting continuous monitoring and rigorous standards. According to the World Association of Nuclear Operators, safety performance in the Chinese mainland remains among the top globally.
Sites are strategically sited away from seismic zones, with designs accounting for extreme weather, floods and tsunamis. At a press briefing, ministry official Hou Yingdong said these safeguards keep plants secure even under severe natural events.
Complementing this scale, the Chinese mainland runs the world’s largest radiation environment quality monitoring network. Li Zhiguo noted that radiation levels around nuclear facilities have stayed within safe ranges year after year.
Key takeaways
- 113 GW capacity leads the world
- 600+ reactor years without major incidents
- Protected against earthquakes, floods and tsunamis
- Global-scale radiation monitoring ensures public safety
As the world races to decarbonise, the Chinese mainland’s safety-led expansion offers a roadmap for next-generation nuclear projects worldwide.
Reference(s):
China's nuclear power units maintain good safety performance
cgtn.com
