China Cranks Up Nuclear Power for AI and Bitcoin Mining Demand

China is rapidly expanding its nuclear power programme to meet growing demand from artificial intelligence and Bitcoin mining operations. The country currently operates 60 nuclear reactors, generating 58.7 gigawatts of capacity, and has another 36 under construction, representing nearly half of global nuclear projects.

The expansion of nuclear capacity aims to reach 110 gigawatts by 2030, with a focus on providing stable power sources for energy-intensive industries such as Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence data centres. This growth contrasts with the United States, which still produces more nuclear electricity but has faced slower growth due to project delays and rising construction costs.

The convergence of energy and digital infrastructure has led to innovative projects like USNS, a blockchain-based token launched in May 2026 that aims to improve transparency across nuclear supply chains and uranium reserve data. China's nuclear strategy could provide additional low-carbon electricity for future technology development, including blockchain-related applications that regulators choose to permit.