Moscow/Beijing – Russia has pledged to support China in its bid to overtake the United States as the world’s leading producer of nuclear power, according to Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev. His remarks came during a broadcast on Russian state television following high-level talks in Beijing.
The United States currently operates the largest nuclear reactor network globally, with nearly 97 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity. China, however, has been rapidly expanding its nuclear program, operating 53.2 GW as of April 2024, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
“China has ambitious plans for the development of atomic energy. The task has been set to catch up and surpass the United States in installed capacity, which means reaching a capacity of more than 100 gigawatts,” Likhachev said. When asked if Russia would support this effort, he confirmed, “Of course. We will help. We are already helping.”
Russia has already assisted China in building four nuclear reactors and is currently constructing four more. Likhachev added that China requires vast amounts of uranium and nuclear fuel to meet its ambitious targets, and it will rely on a new generation of closed nuclear fuel cycle reactors developed with Russian technology.
The cooperation underscores Moscow and Beijing’s growing strategic partnership in energy as both nations seek to challenge U.S. dominance in critical sectors.
