Nuclear giant promotes public awareness of clean energy

China General Nuclear Power Group, China’s largest nuclear operator, reported that the clean energy power it sold to the grid reached 211.9 billion kilowatt-hours in 2017, equivalent to the entire provincial power consumption of Fujian province.

The power sold amounts to more than 66.1 million tons of standard coal consumption, which would have resulted in 160 million tons of carbon emissions — equivalent to planting 480,000 hectares of trees, enough to cover onethird of the Chinese capital, said Yuan Changhong, spokesperson of the corporation.

To promote awareness of nuclear power among the public and address concerns stemming from a lack of information, CGN launched a nationwide event in 2017 with the theme “the most beautiful wedding photos at a nuclear power plant” — which attracted the attention and participation of nine million people.

It has also conducted dozens of events in schools to improve awareness of nuclear power — visiting 120 schools and reaching out to more than 20,000 primary and middle school students.

In addition to over 10,000 volunteers, CGN has trained more than 500 lecturers to deliver nuclear related science education to the public.

To increase understanding of nuclear science, six CGN nuclear power sites — Daya Bay, Yangjiang, Taishan, Ningde, Hongyanhe and Fangchenggang — were ranked in the first batch of national bases for energy science education.

The company will continue its commitment to communicating with the public and improving awareness to allay concerns, including those relating to production safety and environmental protection, Yuan said.

Yuan said CGN will also endeavor to raise public awareness of clean energy and scientific technology.

The company’s wind and solar power stations will be open to the public at a later date, it said. CGN is one of China’s key companies in the clean energy industry, with installed capacity for clean energy reaching 46 GW. It has 20 nuclear power plants in operation with a total installed capacity of more than 21 GW. As the world’s third-largest nuclear power operator, CGN is dedicated to improving awareness of nuclear power, creating a positive image for nuclear power companies and strengthening social communication.

Founded in 1994, CGN has 39,000 employees worldwide. It focuses on the development of clean energies such as nuclear power, nuclear fuel, wind power and solar power.

The company has constructed 12 exhibition halls for nuclear science education across the country.