22 Apr (NucNet): The installed capacity of nuclear reactor units in commercial operation and under construction in China is expected to double to around 88 gigawatts (GW) by 2020, the state news agency Xinhua has reported.
Xinhua quoted Mr Zhang Huazhu, head of the China Nuclear Energy Association, a national industry organisation, as saying that China’s installed capacity will be more than 88 GW by 2020.
He said nuclear energy will play a bigger role in improving the country’s energy structure, coping with climate change and controlling air pollution.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Power Reactor Information System (Pris) database, China has 16.900 GW (net) of nuclear capacity in commercial operation and 27.756 GW (net) under construction, a total of 44.656 GW (net).
According to Pris, there are 21 units in commercial operation in China and 28 under construction.
Quoting the State Energy Commission, the official China Daily newspaper said yesterday China is planning to speed up its approval process for new nuclear reactors as it prepares to start projects in coastal areas to ensure energy security and economic growth.
