EconoScope | Powering AI era: Why China is betting on nuclear energy

(ECNS) -- The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is driving a new wave of electricity demand, putting nuclear power back in the spotlight.

China, which has the world's largest nuclear power capacity under construction, is accelerating the development of nuclear energy to provide reliable, low-carbon electricity for its growing economy and emerging AI industries.

According to the National Energy Administration, China has 112 nuclear units in operation or approved, with a combined capacity of 125 million kilowatts — the highest globally. Its nuclear capacity under construction also ranks first worldwide.

As China continues to expand its nuclear power fleet, which province leads the country in nuclear energy? And why is China stepping up investment in the sector?

Guangdong Province has emerged as China's nuclear leader. In the first half of 2026, its nuclear generation reached 57.31 billion kilowatt‑hours, supported by a complete industry chain spanning design, equipment manufacturing, construction and operation.

Guangdong has also developed a complete nuclear power industrial chain spanning design, equipment manufacturing, construction and operation.

The State Council recently approved the third phase of the Taipingling Nuclear Power Plant in Guangdong, marking another major step in the province's nuclear expansion following the approval of five nuclear power projects, including the Taishan project, last year.

With major nuclear power bases including Daya Bay, Ling'ao, Yangjiang, Taishan and Taipingling located along its coastline, Guangdong is expected to see nuclear power generation rise significantly as new units come online, helping meet growing electricity demand from industries such as AI and data centers.

Fujian Province, meanwhile, has the highest share of nuclear power in its electricity generation mix. Nuclear energy accounted for 28.1% of the province's total power generation, according to the NEA, meaning nearly three in every 10 kilowatt-hours generated in Fujian came from nuclear power.

With major nuclear power bases in Ningde, Fuqing and Zhangzhou, nuclear energy has become a key pillar of Fujian's power supply.

The expansion of nuclear power is being driven in part by rapidly growing electricity demand in the age of artificial intelligence.

In the United States, major technology companies are also turning to nuclear energy to secure reliable, low-carbon electricity. Microsoft has signed a 20-year agreement linked to the restart of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, while Google has announced plans to procure power from small modular reactors.

As AI development drives electricity demand higher, the convergence of artificial intelligence and nuclear power is beginning to reshape the global energy landscape.

China is also part of this growing "AI + nuclear power" trend. As the clean energy transition gathers pace, the country's expanding nuclear power hubs are providing a stable source of electricity to support both its digital economy and broader green transformation.

(By Gong Weiwei)