China to build more nuclear power plants to meet energy crunch
Notice how many … one a year to raise nuclear power to 4% !
The Hindu Times
March 24, 2006
China has approved a new blueprint for up to 2020 under which the country will build
more nuclear power plants to cater to the surging energy demand.
The new blueprint for the energy sector was approved by the Chinese cabinet meeting
chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao here yesterday.
Nuclear power stations will be integral to the country's energy strategy and will play a
significant role in enhancing national strength and technology, 'China Daily' quoted
participants at the meeting as saying.
According to the blueprint, nuclear power is a strategic energy source and should be
actively developed to meet the country's growing demand.
The plan stresses that China should rely on self-innovation while ensuring safety; and
appropriately make use of foreign technology and resources.
China currently has six nuclear power stations with a capacity of nine million kilowatts.
Nuclear power accounts for two per cent of the total power generation capacity.
Officials at the China Atomic Information Network said that by 2020, the country will
increase nuclear power generation capacity to 40 million kilowatts, or four per cent of
the total.
To reach the target, each year China has to build a nuclear power station with a capacity
of 1.8 million kilowatts, equivalent to that of the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station in
Guangdong Province in southern China.
The blueprint said the development of nuclear power will also help the country reach a
balance among energy consumption, economic development and environmental
protection.