Russia has pledged to help China surpass the United States as the world’s largest producer of nuclear power. The statement came from Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia’s Rosatom state nuclear corporation, in remarks broadcast on state TV after talks in Beijing.
Currently, the United States operates the biggest nuclear network, with nearly 97 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity. China, however, is rapidly expanding its program. As of April 2024, it had 53.2 GW of operating nuclear capacity, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
“China has ambitious plans for atomic energy. The goal is to catch up with and surpass the United States, reaching more than 100 gigawatts,” Likhachev told Russian television. When asked if Russia would support this target, he replied: “Of course. We will help. We are already helping.”
Russia has already assisted in the construction of four nuclear reactors in China and is currently building four more. According to Likhachev, China’s ambitious program will also require vast amounts of uranium and nuclear fuel.
He added that China will eventually need to develop a new generation of closed nuclear fuel cycle reactors, based on Russian technology, to sustain its long-term goals.
