China has solidified its position as the world leader in nuclear power by initiating the construction of 26 new nuclear power units, bringing the total capacity to an impressive 30.3 million kilowatts. According to the China Nuclear Energy Development Report 2024 released by the China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA) on Monday, this marks the highest number of new nuclear units being built globally.
In 2023 alone, China approved five new nuclear power projects and commenced construction on five additional units, further expanding its nuclear infrastructure. Currently, there are 55 commercial nuclear power units in operation across the Chinese mainland, contributing significantly to the nation's energy landscape.
The country's nuclear power generation continues to rise steadily, reaching approximately 433.4 billion kilowatt-hours in 2023. This achievement places China second in the world in terms of nuclear energy production. Impressively, the nuclear power output last year was equivalent to reducing the consumption of standard coal by over 130 million tonnes, highlighting the substantial environmental benefits of this energy shift.
China's ongoing investment in nuclear energy not only enhances its energy security but also underscores its commitment to sustainable and cleaner energy sources. As the global community grapples with climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions, China's advancements in nuclear power serve as a significant step forward.
Reference(s):
China tops world in nuclear power capacity and new unit construction
cgtn.com
