Market Growth

China's Nuclear Power Development In Current Situation and Prospects

(Source: CINIE & China Materials Purchasing Network http://www.m188.com)

 With 20 years’ of fast development, China’s nuclear power industry has achieved remarkable results. The design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants have significantly improved and the basis of the nuclear power industry has taken shape.

 After initial development and two-stages of low-volume construction, China has now formed three nuclear power bases: Qinshan in Zhejiang Province, Daya Bay in Guangdong and Jiangsu Tianwan. As of the end of 2007, China's mainland nuclear power installed capacity reached 9,100,000 kW, which represented 30% growth from the year before, this accounted for 1.3% of the total amount of electricity. In 2007, the nuclear power generation capacity reached 71,300,000,000 kWh— a 14% increase over the previous year, accounting for 1.92% of generating capacity. There are currently about 20 nuclear power units under construction, with a capacity of 20,000,000 kW.

 China has laid a solid foundation of research and development in nuclear power technology, engineering design, equipment manufacturing, construction, project management, and operation management to accumulate experience and speed up the development of the nuclear power industry.

 At the same time, the established practice of nuclear safety and technical back-up support system has played an important role in the safe operation of nuclear power generating units, environmental protection, and radioactive waste management. China has a broad market space for nuclear power development. According to the National Development and Reform Commission and State Grid Corporation’s plan and demands, the national total installed capacity of electric power in 2010 and 2020 will have to reach 600,000,000 kW and nearly 1,000,000,000 kW respectively, to meet the sustained economic development. Gu Ning, a Nuclear Industry Department Assistant Counselor of the French Embassy in China, said that "Nuclear power development in China is leading in the whole world"

 Although China has the richest coal reserves in the world, the environment, production, and transportation capacity have severely restricted the development of coal-fired generating units. Besides, China already has a high level of hydraulic energy resource development. The current water and electricity installed capacity built-up and under construction has reached 130,000,000 kW and only expects 200,000,000 kW by 2020. Wind power, solar power, tidal power, and other new energy sources has yet to solve problems of large-scale production and economic issues. Therefore, great efforts to develop nuclear power to meet power demand, optimize energy structure, and ensure energy security has become the consensus of government and all sectors of the community.

 According to the experts’ forecasts and planning of relevant ministries, nuclear power installed capacity in the country will account for 5% of power generation by 2020; and another 70,000,000 kW will be put into operation. Around 30 nuclear power generating units of 1,000,000 kW will be built for the period of 2004-2015. China’s nuclear power development has a bright and prosperous future.

 

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