China has accelerated its nuclear expansion dramatically, nearly doubling its reactor fleet since 2016 to reach 60 gigawatts of capacity. Almost all new Chinese facilities are large gigawatt-scale pressurized-water reactors, a stark contrast to the US construction pace, which has produced just two new reactors in the same period.

China's strategy reflects a fundamental bet on conventional large nuclear technology. The country is executing a centralized energy plan that prioritizes rapid deployment of proven reactor designs. State control over utilities, streamlined permitting, and sustained government investment enable this pace. Chinese manufacturers have standardized on a handful of reactor models, reducing costs through repetition and allowing factory-floor efficiency gains that Western competitors struggle to match.

The US nuclear sector, meanwhile, faces fragmented ownership, lengthy regulatory timelines, and cost overruns that have plagued recent projects. Small modular reactors represent the American bet on innovation over scale, but these remain years from commercial deployment at volume.

China's approach carries trade-offs. Large reactors lock in massive upfront capital costs and create long operational lifespans that limit flexibility as grids shift toward renewables. They also concentrate nuclear waste disposal and safety management in fewer facilities. The reliance on standardized designs, while cost-effective, leaves limited room for technological experimentation.

The energy calculus differs between nations. China faces surging electricity demand and air quality constraints that make fossil fuels politically untenable. Nuclear expansion serves both decarbonization goals and immediate grid needs. The US grid is more mature, demand growth is slower, and renewable costs have plummeted, reducing the urgency for rapid nuclear buildout.

This divergence reflects broader industrial policy differences. China treats nuclear as critical infrastructure worthy of state direction and capital commitment. The US relies on market signals and private investment, which has proven slower but potentially more adaptable. Neither approach