Atomic: Backdrop is challenging, but nuke projects shine

to build four generation three-plus VVER-1200 reactors in China: two at the Xudabao power plant in Liaoning province, and two more at Tianwan in Jiangsu province.

Jacobelli said the developments confirm China’s ongoing commitment to boost the country’s nuclear sector against a challenging backdrop. Many countries, including Japan, Germany, and Switzerland, have abandoned nuclear power project plans in the wake of the Fukushima disaster in 2011, while others, including the United States, are back to focusing on fossil fuels.

Nuclear plants can help meet China’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, providing air pollution-free energy at a lower cost to consumers, he said.

In order to phase off coal and cut down pollution while continuing to grow its economy, the Chinese capital is increasingly turning to nuclear energy to meet the country’s demand for power in a more sustainable way.

“The commissioning of the two reactors as well as ambitious nuclear capacity targets in coming years definitely show Chinese clean commitment to ensure that nuclear power is a key contributor to its electricity, especially against the backdrop that many countries are abandoning nuclear in the wake of the Fukushima incident,” said Jacobelli.

According to the 13th FiveYear Plan (2016-20) for power production released by the National Energy Administration, nuclear power is expected to provide 8 percent to 10 percent of China’s electricity needs by 2030.

As of the first quarter in 2018, there were 38 nuclear power units in operation in the Chinese mainland with a combined installed capacity of 36.93 million kilowatts, according to data from the Chinese Nuclear Energy Association.

China has vowed to raise its total installed nuclear capacity to 58 GW by 2020, up from 35.8 GW at the end of 2017. It also aims to have another 30 GW under construction by the end of 2020.

However, Jacobelli said with no new reactor project approved in the country for more than two years, China might not be able to accomplish its 2020 targets.

“It is unlikely that by 2020 China will have commissioned 58 GW,” said Jacobelli. “But it will be shifted forward so that China would still end up with 88 GW or more before 2025.”