The United States is lagging significantly behind China in the development of next-generation nuclear reactors, with a 10 to 15-year gap between the two nations, according to a recent report by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF). The report highlights that China has 27 nuclear reactors currently under development, with an average construction time of seven years per reactor—remarkably faster than most other countries. This swift progress is attributed to China’s comprehensive national strategy, which includes low-interest financing, feed-in tariffs, and streamlined regulatory approvals.

China's advancement in nuclear technology is also reflected in its growing share of nuclear patents. Between 2008 and 2023, China’s share increased from 1.3 percent to 13.4 percent, positioning the country as a leader in nuclear fusion patent applications. The ITIF report credits Beijing's rapid rise to its strategic prioritization of nuclear reactor construction as part of a broader energy strategy. This approach not only boosts domestic capacity but also lays the groundwork for China to become a major exporter of competitive nuclear reactors.

Despite the United States maintaining its position as the top country for nuclear power generation, with 94 reactors accounting for about one-third of global output, its progress has stalled. The US has only built two new reactors in the past decade, both plagued by delays and cost overruns. Meanwhile, China continues to innovate, unveiling the world's first fourth-generation nuclear plant in Shidao Bay, which uses gas for cooling instead of pressurized water, promising enhanced safety and efficiency. The ITIF report warns against the complacency fostered by the notion that China is merely a copier, emphasizing the need for the US to rethink its industrial policy to maintain its leadership in nuclear technology.

Source: aljazeera.com