Odd Lots: This is how China builds so much nuclear power
Jan 13, 2025
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David Fishman, a senior manager at The Lantau Group, shares his expertise on China's impressive nuclear power expansion. He outlines how China has constructed 37 reactors in just a decade, spotlighting their efficient financing and manufacturing processes. Fishman contrasts this with the U.S. struggle for nuclear revival, delving into the evolving reactor designs and market dynamics. He discusses the unique advantages of China's state-owned enterprises and their innovative energy strategies, alongside the complexities of balancing coal and renewables.
China's swift construction of nuclear reactors results from state-backed financing and efficient industrial capabilities, contrasting sharply with U.S. challenges.
The nation's regulatory framework facilitates quicker approval processes for nuclear projects, promoting aggressive expansion amidst local opposition seen in the U.S.
China aims for ambitious nuclear capacity growth of 250 to 300 gigawatts, integrating nuclear power within a diverse energy portfolio dominated by coal and renewables.
Deep dives
China's Nuclear Expansion
China has significantly expanded its nuclear power capabilities over the past decade, adding 37 reactors according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. This contrasts sharply with the United States, where the construction of new reactors has slowed considerably, with only a few added recently. China's aggressive nuclear development is facilitated by state-owned enterprises that benefit from low financing rates and government backing, allowing them to construct reactors at a remarkable pace. This approach provides a stark comparison to the challenges faced in the U.S., where complex regulations and high costs hinder new developments.
Financing and Economic Viability of Nuclear Projects
The financing structure for nuclear projects in China relies heavily on state-owned banks offering low interest rates to state-owned enterprises, a stark difference from the private financing models common in other countries. This financial support enables companies to build large infrastructure projects at a manageable cost, with estimates suggesting Chinese nuclear reactors can be constructed for about $4.5 to $5 billion each. In contrast, similar projects in the U.S. have incurred costs upwards of $28 billion for multiple units, raising questions about their financial viability. The favorable economic environment in China has thus propelled the construction of nuclear power plants as a competitive and sustainable energy solution.
Nuclear as Part of China's Energy Mix
While China's nuclear fleet is one of the largest globally, it still represents a small portion of the total energy generation capacity, dwarfed by coal, wind, and solar resources. The country's energy planners have set ambitious goals for nuclear energy, aiming for upwards of 250 to 300 gigawatts of nuclear capacity in the future. This expansion comes amidst China's ongoing reliance on coal, which continues to rise alongside energy consumption demands. The integration of nuclear power into China's mix reflects a strategic decision to leverage various energy sources while simultaneously addressing environmental and energy security concerns.
Labor and Manufacturing Capacity Advantages
China's industrial capabilities provide a significant advantage in constructing nuclear reactors, with a robust manufacturing ecosystem that supports the production of critical components like reactor pressure vessels and cooling systems. The country's ability to aggregate labor and resources facilitates rapid construction timelines, often completing projects much faster than seen in other nations. Modularized construction techniques, adopted effectively by China's nuclear industry, allow for prefabrication of components, further streamlining the building process. This industrial strength not only reduces costs but also increases the efficiency of assembling complex energy infrastructure.
Comparative Regulatory Landscape
The regulatory framework in China enables faster approvals and less public opposition to nuclear projects compared to the U.S., where local NIMBY sentiments often delay or derail new developments. In China, the central government plays a decisive role in determining energy priorities, ensuring that nuclear energy undergoes fewer bureaucratic hurdles. The discussion around nuclear energy in the U.S. centers on the necessity to rebuild expertise and infrastructure, which has diminished over the years. Lessons from China's rapid nuclear expansion could highlight the need for regulatory reform and a reevaluation of public engagement strategies in U.S. energy policy.
In the US right now, there is a lot of talk about a so-called "nuclear revival," though it remains to be seen whether that translates into action. Meanwhile, China has built 37 nuclear reactors in the last decade, with even more in the works. So what does it take to build nuclear at scale? On this episode of the Odd Lots podcast, Bloomberg's Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway speak to David Fishman, a China-based energy analyst at The Lantau Group. He explains all the elements of the country's nuclear success, from financing to manufacturing to its domestic power markets.