Want... China is pioneering the resumption of nuclear power construction while the world steps cautiously in the wake of Japan's 2011 Fukushima meltdown, reports the China Business Journal. The increase of nuclear power in the country's energy mix is a practical option for China to alleviate the horrific air pollution from burning coal. "Dirty" energy accounts for 67% of the nation's energy mix, said Zhang Guobao, former director of the National Energy Administration.
According to the Strategic Action Plan for Energy Development (2014-2020) released by the State Council at the end of 2014, the nation's total nuclear capacity will top 58 million kilowatts by 2020. This will be met under the safest standards worldwide and is in addition to over 30 million kilowatts of capacity already under construction, said the report.
To alleviate concerns over nuclear safety, the government has pointed to the multi-layered safety design of next-generation nuclear plants. These plants are in compliance with rigorous regulations and standards and all future power projects will embrace third-generation nuclear technology, according to the report.
Authorities may approve a new batch of coastal nuclear power projects in the first quarter of 2015 and may even issue green light for controversial inland nuclear power projects on a trial basis in 2016, said industry insiders.
New projects likely to be approved soon include second-stage facilities for the Fuqin nuclear power station in Fujian, the Hongyianhe nuclear power station in Liaoning province, and the national pilot CAP1400 nuclear power project in Shidaowan of Shandong province. "The Zhangzhou nuclear power project in Fujian province and Xudabao project in Liaoning province may also hit the list," said an official with the Jiangsu Nuclear Power Company.
The new projects will bump up China's share of nuclear power markedly in the coming years.
In the third quarter 2014, nuclear facilities generated 3.76 billion kilowatts of power, a meager 2.59% and a far cry from the average 14% for nations with nuclear power worldwide.
Poster Comment:
Something for coal exporters to take note...