China is dynamically developing atomic energy to reduce carbon dependence and accomplish climate targets. Over the coming years, the country has a chance to become a planet leader in atomic energy production, ahead of the United States and France.
History of Chinese atomic power
During the Cold War, Beijing's first motivation to make atomic power was mostly guided by safety considerations. From 1950 to 1958, Chinese atomic energy was based on cooperation with the USSR. The first initiative was launched with the creation of the Chinese-Soviet corp of Non-ferrous Metals and uncommon Metals and the first central centre of atomic research, the Institute of Atomic Energy of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing.
In June 1959, the USSR officially completed all forms of atomic aid for China, withdrawing russian technicians. China continued to make atomic power independently through mass research. The Institute of Atomic Energy formed branches of investigation organisations in each province, major city and autonomous region. By the end of 1963, China had built more than forty chemical separation plants for uranium and track extraction. Between 1959 and 1963, a gas diffusion plant was built in Lanzhou utilizing a large 300 MW reactor.
After fast advancement in the 1950s, Chinese atomic improvement slowed down due to the cultural revolution. On 8 February 1970, China issued its first atomic energy plan, the Institute of 728, now known as Shanghai atomic Engineering investigation and plan Institute.
The first independently designed and constructed atomic power plant, Qinshan atomic Power Plant, with a CNP-300 reactor was built in 1984. (in cooperation with France) and successfully connected to the network on 15 December 1991.
Until 2002 China had 2 working atomic power plants. Since then, China has consistently increased atomic capacity. According to a study by a government manufacture group, in late 2024 it operated in the country 57 reactors of a full power 59 760 MW, which ranks China 3rd in the planet in terms of generated atomic energy – behind the US and France.
Accelerating investment after 2019
Following the Fukushima disaster in 2011, China stopped issuing fresh permits for atomic power plants while strengthening safety standards. The projects resumed in 2019, and since 2022 Beijing has approved around 10 fresh reactors per year. Recently, the government approved the construction of another 10 reactors for 200 billion yuan (US$27.7 billion)of which 8 Hualong 1 reactors (third generation) and 2 CAP1000 reactors (based on American Westinghouse technology).
Nuclear energy in Chinese energy mix
Despite fast development, atomic power remains only 4.7% Electricity production in China (2024). The conventional generation (mainly coal) dominates – 67.4%. However, to 2030 atomic power plants are expected to increase to 110 000 MWa to 2035 their participation in the mix is to accomplish 10%.
New technologies: modular, track and 4th generation reactors
China not only expands conventional power plants, but besides invests in advanced technologies:
Modular reactors (SMR) – smaller, more flexible units specified as Linglong One, China's first commercial SMR.
Track reactors – experimental projects utilizing the track as fuel, which can be safer and more efficient.
4th generation reactors – China has already launched the first commercial advanced temperature reactor HTR-PMwhich can work at higher temperatures and increase efficiency.
Challenges and global competition
While China accelerates the construction of the power plant, costs and delays in the US and Europe slow down the improvement of atomic power. Beijing exploits the advantage of state-owned companies that massively build reactors, reducing costs and reducing transportation times.
Will China take global leadership in atomic energy? It seems that this will happen by 2030.
Source:
- Nikkei Asia: China on track to become top atomic power generator by 2030
- World atomic Association
- Reports of Chinese government institutions
Leszek B. Glass
Email: [email protected]
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