中文
China's nuclear power capacity is expected to continue its upward trajectory during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), with its share in the country's energy mix steadily increasing, according to industry analysts.
Nuclear energy will play a pivotal role in China's transition to a clean and low-carbon energy landscape, while also ensuring stable domestic energy supplies, said Lin Boqiang, head of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University.
China's State Council has recently greenlit the construction of six reactors in three nuclear power projects at a meeting. The approved nuclear power units are slated to be constructed in Ningde, Fujian province; Shidaowan, Shandong province; and Xudapu, Liaoning province.
Safety has been underscored as the paramount concern in nuclear power development, with the meeting emphasizing that construction of new units must adhere to the highest global safety standards. Additionally, existing units must undergo renovations in line with the latest safety norms.
To bolster safety, stringent supervision will be enforced throughout all stages of nuclear power projects, while the localization of core technologies will be promoted. These measures aim to ensure that nuclear power units are fully secure and reliable.
Lin anticipated the newly approved reactors will play a significant role in the government's goal of achieving a non-fossil energy share of around 25% in China's primary energy consumption by 2030.
China has been increasingly relying on nuclear power for heating in residential and industrial units as part of its commitment to maintaining a stable energy supply. Moreover, the application of nuclear technology in fields such as medicine and industry has been accelerating in recent years.
China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) has announced that the two new nuclear power units in Ningde, as well as the two in Shidaowan, will utilize Hualong One technology—a third-generation nuclear power technology with full intellectual property rights developed in China. Hualong One has gained wide acceptance globally as one of the leading series of third-generation nuclear power reactors.
Notably, around 90% of the equipment used in these projects is domestically produced, highlighting China's progress in developing its indigenous nuclear power capabilities.
The positive impact of nuclear power on reducing carbon emissions is already evident. For instance, the first phase of the Ningde nuclear power project has contributed significantly to green power generation, reducing standard coal consumption by approximately 79.15 million tonnes and carbon dioxide emissions by over 210 million tonnes, when compared to an equivalent-scale coal-fired power station.
Currently, CGN operates 27 nuclear power units in China and pledges to ensure the safety and reliability of energy and power supply during peak summer periods.
China has also made notable strides in exporting its domestically developed Hualong One nuclear power units, with five such units in operation both domestically and abroad, and nine more under construction.
According to the China Nuclear Energy Association's blue paper released in April, China leads the world with 24 nuclear units under construction, boasting a planned installed capacity of 26.81 GW. The country currently operates 54 commercial nuclear power units with a total installed capacity of 56.82 GW, ranking third worldwide.
Last year, nuclear power output reached 417.78 TWh, representing a 2.5% year-on-year increase and accounting for 4.7% of China's total electricity generation, securing China's position as the world's second-largest nuclear power producer.
(Writing by Alex Guo Editing by Emma Yang)
For any questions, please contact us by inquiry@fwenergy.com or +86-351-7219322.
