Highlights

• China is exploring nuclear energy to power its fast-growing AI infrastructure
• “Linglong One” SMR is nearing completion and could start operations this year
• A “nuclear + computing” industrial park is planned to build zero-carbon AI systems

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China is looking at nuclear power as a solution to one of AI’s biggest challenges: electricity. As artificial intelligence systems grow, they require huge amounts of energy to process data. Industry leaders, including Jensen Huang, have described AI tokens as the “new commodity,” highlighting how computing demand is rapidly increasing.

To meet this demand, China is focusing on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are smaller, flexible nuclear units that can be built closer to data centers. These reactors are easier to deploy than traditional nuclear plants and can provide steady, 24/7 power, something AI systems need.

A major project in this space is the Linglong One reactor, developed by China National Nuclear Corporation. It is the world’s first onshore commercial SMR and is already about 90% complete. Once operational, it is expected to generate around 1 billion kWh of electricity annually while significantly reducing carbon emissions.

China is also planning a “nuclear + computing power” industrial park in Hainan, aiming to create a clean, zero-carbon AI ecosystem. The project has been prioritized in the country’s 2026 government plans.

Globally, nuclear energy is gaining attention as a reliable, low-carbon solution for powering AI. With AI usage rising rapidly, especially in China, the link between computing power and electricity is becoming clearer than ever.

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