Background on China’s Nuclear Energy Expansion
China, a global leader in energy production, continues to expand its nuclear power capabilities. The State Council of China recently approved the construction of 10 new nuclear power units, as reported by The Paper, a government-backed media outlet. This decision is estimated to require an investment of 27,440 million dollars (approximately 200,000 million yuan).
Annual Approvals and Current Status
This approval maintains China’s expansion pace from recent years, with an average of 10-11 units approved annually between 2022 and 2024. As of late 2024, China will have 57 operational units with a combined capacity close to 60 gigawatts, according to the China Nuclear Power Association’s annual white paper.
New Projects and Technological Advancements
The newly approved projects will expand five operational nuclear power plants: Fangchenggang in Guangxi, Sanmen in Fujian, Haiyang in Shandong, Xiapu in Chongqing, and Taishan in Guangdong. These projects will utilize domestic technologies.
China’s investment in nuclear power engineering and construction reached a record high of 146,900 million yuan in the previous year, as stated by the China Nuclear Power Association’s annual white paper.
Future Outlook and Global Position
By 2030, China is projected to become the world leader in nuclear power capacity, according to the report. Currently, China ranks third in nuclear power capacity, following the United States and France.
Nuclear energy accounted for approximately 5% of China’s electricity generation in 2024, and it is expected to rise to 10% by 2040.
Self-Sufficiency and International Cooperation
China has achieved 100% domestic production of key nuclear energy equipment, as reported. The country will continue to promote international cooperation, particularly with major nuclear nations and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the total investment for these new nuclear power plants? The estimated investment for the 10 new nuclear power units is 27,440 million dollars (approximately 200,000 million yuan).
- How many operational nuclear units will China have by the end of 2024? By the end of 2024, China will have approximately 57 operational nuclear units.
- What is China’s projected nuclear power capacity by 2030? By 2030, China is expected to lead the world in nuclear power capacity.
- What percentage of China’s electricity generation will nuclear energy represent by 2040? Nuclear energy is projected to account for around 10% of China’s electricity generation by 2040.
- What is China’s current ranking in nuclear power capacity? As of now, China ranks third in nuclear power capacity, following the United States and France.
- Has China achieved self-sufficiency in key nuclear energy equipment? Yes, China has reached 100% domestic production of key nuclear energy equipment.
