Coal to Nuclear (C2N) Conversion Initiative

planned

China is investigating plans to convert retiring coal-fired power plants into nuclear power stations using compact, meltdown-proof reactors. This strategy aims to utilize existing grid and water access infrastructure of retiring coal plants to accelerate the transition to clean energy, leveraging advanced fourth-generation reactors such as high-temperature gas-cooled reactors and molten salt thorium reactors. The initiative is proposed by China Energy Engineering Group Co (CEEC) and targets roughly 100 GW of coal capacity expected to retire by 2030, especially in coastal areas with high electricity demand and land scarcity.