According to a report by China Daily on March 5…
China eyes nuclear energy as a stable, zero-carbon backbone to meet the surging electricity demands of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
As artificial intelligence and data-driven industries expand rapidly, China is turning to nuclear power to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply for its burgeoning digital economy. Executives and analysts say nuclear energy is poised to become a cornerstone of the country’s low-carbon energy infrastructure while supporting high-tech industrial growth.
Nuclear Energy Meets AI Demand
Lu Tiezhong, chairman of China National Nuclear Power Co (CNNP), emphasized in proposals to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference that nuclear power is uniquely suited to supply the continuous, high-fidelity electricity required by AI data centers and other computationally intensive facilities.
“AI data centers demand nonstop, high-load electricity,” Lu said. “Nuclear power provides a stable, zero-carbon baseload, creating a win-win synergy between energy producers and digital infrastructure operators.”
The International Energy Agency forecasts that global IT loads will increase by 106 gigawatts between 2025 and 2030, driven largely by generative AI and large-scale model training — trends that underscore the critical role of reliable power.
Scaling Nuclear Infrastructure
China has been steadily expanding its nuclear capacity and aims to become a global leader in operational nuclear power by 2030. According to the China Nuclear Energy Association, the nation’s nuclear capacity is projected to reach 110 GW by 2030 and 150 GW by 2035, serving as a key substitute for high-carbon energy sources.
Domestic production of critical nuclear components is also being scaled up, enhancing technology self-reliance and reinforcing the country’s strategic control over the nuclear supply chain.
Integrating with Renewable Energy
Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan, China plans to integrate nuclear with renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro, creating a more stable, low-carbon energy system for industrial and digital growth.
CNNP is already piloting this approach. For example, the 2 GW Tianwan tidal flat solar demonstration project — China’s largest offshore solar farm — leverages idle land near nuclear facilities in Jiangsu province, blending nuclear and solar power generation.
AI-Driven Nuclear Operations
AI is also enhancing nuclear operations themselves. CNNP has deployed big data and AI platforms to improve production efficiency, safety monitoring, and operational analytics, creating smarter, safer plants capable of meeting growing demand from the digital economy.
“Integrating AI into nuclear operations boosts efficiency and strengthens safety feedback loops,” Lu said. “This is essential for supporting China’s rapidly expanding computing infrastructure while maintaining carbon neutrality.”
Strategic Implications
Analysts and investors say the synergy between AI and nuclear power represents a strategic growth opportunity. With China committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, nuclear energy is expected to play an increasingly central role in the country’s energy transition while ensuring reliable power for high-tech industries.
Investment in nuclear energy and associated supply chains offers potential returns not only from electricity generation but also from high-value industrial and technology integration, making China a critical market for global energy and tech investors.