Zero: The Climate Race Odd Lots: This is how China builds so much nuclear power
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Jan 13, 2025 David Fishman, a senior manager at The Lantau Group, shares his expertise on China's impressive nuclear power expansion. He outlines how China has constructed 37 reactors in just a decade, spotlighting their efficient financing and manufacturing processes. Fishman contrasts this with the U.S. struggle for nuclear revival, delving into the evolving reactor designs and market dynamics. He discusses the unique advantages of China's state-owned enterprises and their innovative energy strategies, alongside the complexities of balancing coal and renewables.
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China's Nuclear Boom
- China has built 37 nuclear reactors in the last decade, while the US has added only a few.
- This illustrates differing approaches to nuclear energy development.
China's Nuclear History
- China's interest in nuclear power started in the 1980s, driven by rapid economic growth and a need for more electricity.
- They pursued two paths: an agreement with France's Framatome and domestic development with the Soviet Union.
Scale of China's Nuclear
- China's nuclear fleet is large globally, with almost 60 reactors and nearly 60 gigawatts of capacity.
- However, it's still small relative to China's total energy mix, which is dominated by coal, wind, and solar.