China is executing a nuclear expansion at an unprecedented pace. Operating approximately 62 nuclear units (62 GWe), China already boasts the second-largest nuclear fleet globally behind the United States. However, with over 39 reactors currently under construction, the nation leads the world in new builds as it races toward a target of 110 GWe by 2030. In this episode, we break down the massive technical milestones achieved in mid-June 2026—including the hoisting of a 1,000-tonne containment dome at Lianjiang Unit 1 and Russia’s Rosatom-supplied VVER-1200 hot testing at Xudapu Unit 3. We also explore the groundbreaking commercial technology and financing structures behind this build-out, from small modular reactors (SMRs) to private-sector investments.
