China intends to set up floating nuclear power plants in a bid to double its atomic energy capacity by 2020.
China Atomic Energy Authority chairman Xu Dazhe was cited by Agence France-Presse as saying that the planned ‘marine floating power station’ will undergo ‘strict and scientific demonstration’.
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The facility will have the ability to be transported to specific locations and can be anchored offshore to deliver power to regions facing crisis.
Xu was quoted by media sources as saying: "China is devoted to building itself into a maritime power and so we will definitely make full use of ocean resources."
Earlier this month, China General Nuclear Power (CGN) and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) signed a strategic cooperation agreement to develop the offshore nuclear power platform.
Additionally, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced a marine nuclear power project expected to enter operations in 2019. The CGN plant, on the other hand, is expected to be commissioned in 2020.
The floating facilities have been planned to provide power to offshore oil and gas drilling platforms, island development and remote areas.
The country presently has 30 operational nuclear reactors totalling 28.3GW of capacity.
According to Xu, another 24 reactors are under construction having a cumulative capacity of 26.7GW.
The capital Beijing intends to increase its installed atomic power capacity to 58GW by 2020, for which it will have another 30GW under construction.
