Asia has become the global fulcrum of nuclear energy growth, counting 145 operational reactors and 45 under construction in the region. The enviable growth of the continent and the subsequent capacity demand in electricity have resulted in unprecedented spending in their nuclear infrastructure to hold sway in the transition to clean energy. China is the primary player in this nuclear renaissance, constituting approximately 50% of all reactors being built the world over with other Asian economies emulating this by having impressive nuclear programs.
Dominance by China in nuclear: World in a construction boom
China has also emerged as the undisputed master of nuclear proliferation, having 58 operating reactors generating a net 56.9 GWe, and 32 reactors are under construction. During this January 2014 to January 2024, the World Nuclear Association records that the world has brought 70 new reactors online, with 37 just in China.
Modern Diplomacy reveals that China has doubled its production of nuclear power during 2006 – 2023, with both years reporting 55 and 435 terawatt-hours, respectively, which proves the idea that the country treats nuclear energy as a certain part of its Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese government provides nuclear technology, funding, and training to emerging economies in the Global South, establishing itself as the major stakeholder of nuclear expansion in the world.
This is how air pollution drives China’s nuclear commitment
The leading reasons behind the nuclear growth in China are the need to resolve a significant air pollution problem brought about by the use of coal-fired electric plants and climate change issues. This is a mandate of an environment that has increased the speed at which China has developed to become the fastest-growing nuclear market in the world.
Independent nuclear fuel cycle in India: Thorium development as a pioneer Indigenous country
India is a significant user of nuclear energy with 24 nuclear reactors with a power capacity of 8.1 GWe and six under construction, making it a serious participant in nuclear energy independence. The World Nuclear Association reports that India is the only nuclear-emergent economy (among others) that became independent in its nuclear fuel cycle.
It is a leading country in the advancement of the thorium fuel cycle, having a number of superior facilities for the development. India is in the possession of a nuclear program as a constituent of its infrastructure development program, in which 9.4 GWe of capacity is planned through 14 additional reactors.
South Korea has 26 reactors totaling 25.8 GWe, which produce about 25 percent of the country’s total energy consumption. The country has undergone major policy changes, with the president elected in 2017 proposing a 45-year Phase-out plan for nuclear energy, whereas his successor, announced in the 2022 elections, aspired to have nuclear power at least 30 percent of electricity by 2030.
The small modular reactors find their welcome in constituent market economies
Some Asian nations are considering nuclear power generation on a new basis, with small modular reactors emerging as a viable option. In Uzbekistan, leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed a 6-unit SMR plant in the Jizzakh region using Russian 55 MWe RITM-200N reactors, and in Kazakhstan, 70 percent of voters in a referendum that took place countrywide approved the build of an estimated facility.
The nuclear expansion in Asia implies a radical transformation of global energy trends, with the region being able to construct some three-quarters of the world’s new nuclear reactor capacity. The domination of China in the export of nuclear technologies, the focus of India on the thorium fuel cycle, and South Korea’s scientific proficiency make Asia a region leading to nuclear revival. The region is keen on nuclear power because of economic need and environmental sensitivity, as the emerging economies crave reliable, clean sources of supply of electricity.