ABSTRACT
Driven simultaneously by the global net zero transition and mounting energy security concerns, nuclear power has been acknowledged by the international community as a pivotal low carbon technology. Drawing on a systematic review to global nuclear power plant construction and the development in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China, this study assessed the evolutionary pathways of nuclear energy cooperation between China and the GCC. The findings indicate that technology–resource complementarity underpins bilateral cooperation: China possesses mature, cost-competitive third-generation reactors such as the Hualong One and small modular reactors (SMRs) alongside an integrated domestic supply chain, whereas GCC members offer advantages in capital, uranium resources, and a rapidly expanding regional power market. Bilateral cooperation can generate multidimensional benefits in decarbonization, energy security, economic diversification, and human capital development. High capital intensity, export control regimes, public acceptance, and water resource constraints remain major challenges, yet regional grid interconnection and non-electric applications—such as nuclear-powered seawater desalination and industrial heat—create new opportunities. Both sides should establish institutionalized platforms across four domains—safety regulation harmonization, public communication, supply chain and fuel cycle collaboration, and advanced reactor demonstration—to build an integrated “technology–industry–governance” framework. The study offers policy relevant insights for deepening the China–GCC nuclear partnership, diversifying the GCC energy mix, and strengthening global nuclear energy governance.
