China's nuclear energy ambitions

China has been racing ahead in terms of new nuclear capacity and new nuclear developments in recent years, and there are big plans ahead, most recently set out in the country's latest five-year plan. In this episode we take an extended look at the nuclear energy sector in China, with François Morin, Country Director for World Nuclear Association.

China currently has 62 GW of generating capacity plus 38 new units under construction which will add 44 GW. There are another 17 units approved with 20 GW capacity. This means that by 2033 China will likely have 120 GW of capacity. That number looks set to continue increasing at a similar - or faster - rate over the next two decades if the aim is to be achieved of a 15% share for nuclear in the future energy mix.

Morin discusses the different reactor technologies being used, as well as innovative developments in district heating, and industrial heating with reactor combinations at power plants including high temperature gas-cooled reactors. There is also the latest news about China's landmark small modular reactor, its molten salt reactor developments, nuclear fusion plans, and much more.

Key links to find out more:

World Nuclear News
First San'ao unit connected to the grid
China starts construction of innovative nuclear project
Chinese SMR completes non-nuclear steam start up test
Construction milestone at Chinese underground laboratory
Chinese molten salt reactor achieves conversion of thorium-uranium fuel

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Episode credit:  Presenter Alex Hunt. Co-produced and mixed by Pixelkisser Production