China’s state-owned energy infrastructure group, China Energy Engineering Group Co. (CEEC), has unveiled a decarbonization strategy that could significantly accelerate the country’s nuclear power expansion. The “Coal to Nuclear” (C2N) initiative aims to repurpose retiring coal-fired power plants into nuclear facilities, leveraging existing infrastructure to expedite construction and reduce costs. This move could reshape China’s energy landscape and set a precedent for global nuclear development.
The C2N strategy targets China’s vast coal-fired power generation capacity, approximately 1.2 TW, with about 100 GW slated for retirement in the next five years. By repurposing coal plants’ established grid links, cooling systems, and land, China hopes to streamline the approval and construction processes for new nuclear reactors. This approach could be particularly advantageous in densely populated eastern coastal regions, where land availability is limited, and electricity demand is high.
China’s rapid nuclear reactor construction is already outpacing the rest of the world. With 58 operating reactors and another 33 under construction as of mid-2025, China is on track to surpass the U.S. as the world’s leading nuclear power generator by 2030. The country’s ability to complete new reactors in as little as five years contrasts sharply with the U.S., where recent projects have taken over a decade.
The C2N plan also highlights China’s focus on advanced reactor technologies, such as high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) and thorium-based molten salt reactors. These fourth-generation reactors offer enhanced safety features and greater public acceptance, aligning with China’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2060. The successful operation of the world’s first thorium-based molten salt reactor (TMSR-LF1) in the Gobi Desert demonstrates China’s commitment to innovative nuclear technologies.
The U.S. has also explored similar concepts, with the Biden administration’s 2022 Chips and Science Act including provisions to convert former coal plants into nuclear power facilities. The U.S. Department of Energy has identified over 400 coal sites potentially suitable for new nuclear reactors, with projects like TerraPower’s Natrium advanced nuclear reactor in Wyoming already underway.
China’s C2N strategy could have far-reaching implications for the global energy sector. By demonstrating the feasibility of repurposing coal infrastructure for nuclear power, China may inspire other countries to adopt similar approaches. This could accelerate the global transition to cleaner energy sources and help mitigate climate change. However, the success of the C2N initiative will depend on overcoming public acceptance challenges and ensuring the safety and efficiency of advanced reactor technologies.
As China continues to invest heavily in renewable energy and advanced nuclear technologies, its C2N strategy could serve as a model for other nations seeking to decarbonize their energy mixes. The initiative underscores the importance of innovative thinking and strategic planning in the pursuit of a sustainable energy future.