ITIF study: The United states lags 15 years behind China in nuclear energy
The United States lags behind China by up to 15 years in the development of high-tech nuclear power, with Beijing excelling thanks to a state-backed technical approach and extensive funding, according to a report on Monday.
A study by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, showed that China has 27 nuclear reactors under construction with an average construction time of about seven years, much faster than other countries.
“China’s rapid deployment of ever newer nuclear power plants is producing over time the effects of economies of scale and learning by doing, suggesting that Chinese companies will gain an advantage from increased innovation in the sector from now on,” the study said.
The United States has the largest number of nuclear power plants in the world, and President Joe Biden’s administration considers that source of zero-emission electricity generation critical to curbing climate change.
However, after two large plants in Georgia were commissioned in 2023 and 2024 at billions of US dollars more than budget, and after years delays, there are no new nuclear reactors under construction.
China’s state-owned banks can offer loans as low as 1.4%, far below Western economies.
The world’s first fourth-generation gas-cooled high-temperature reactor began operating in China’s Xidao Bay in December.
The China Nuclear Energy Association says the project is based on 93.4% locally produced materials.
If the United States is serious about nuclear power, the study said that it should develop a strong national strategy that includes more investment in research and development, identifying and accelerating promising technologies, and supporting skilled workforce development.
“Although the United States is lagging behind, it can certainly catch up with technically”.
