Over the past few decades, China's nuclear power development has made significant progress, establishing itself as one of the most important nuclear energy nations globally.
As of the end of 2023, China boasts an impressive nuclear power installed capacity: 55 operational nuclear power units, with a total installed capacity of 57 gigawatts and an annual electricity output of 440,000 gigawatt-hours, accounting for nearly 4.86% of the country's total electricity generation.
This not only saves a considerable amount of coal resources for China but also reduces hundreds of millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions, contributing significantly to addressing climate change and environmental protection.
China possesses a complete nuclear industry chain and has independently developed nuclear power technologies, including the "three-step" nuclear energy strategy and closed fuel cycle technology.
China not only has the capability to construct multiple nuclear power units but also demonstrates outstanding performance in nuclear power operation safety, leading the world in this aspect.
China is actively advancing the independent development of third-generation nuclear power technologies, such as the "Hualong One," and has already introduced fourth-generation high-temperature gas-cooled reactors into commercial operation.
The research and construction of advanced nuclear technologies like small modular reactors and fast reactors are steadily progressing, and significant breakthroughs have been made in nuclear fusion technology.
However, compared to another major nuclear power nation, the United States, China still has some gap in the scale of nuclear power development.
The US has 92 operational nuclear power stations with a total installed capacity of 94.72 gigawatts, mainly consisting of pressurized water reactors.
Nevertheless, China's ambition and determination in nuclear power construction cannot be underestimated.
With 36 approved and under-construction nuclear power units and the prospect of approving around 10 new nuclear power stations annually in the future, China demonstrates its commitment and strength in nuclear energy development.
Despite criticisms from some international politicians claiming that China's nuclear expansion poses a threat to global security, China prioritizes nuclear safety as a responsible major power.
Through technological innovation and international cooperation, China provides clean and safe nuclear energy resources for the world.
China not only meets its own energy needs but also offers low-cost, clean, and equitable energy and development opportunities for third-world and global southern countries, promoting sustainable development of the global energy structure.
With the continuous advancement and application of China's nuclear power technology, it is believed that China will continue to play an important role in the field of nuclear energy, making greater contributions to global energy transition and climate change mitigation.
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