Odd Lots This Is How China Builds So Much Nuclear Power
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Jan 3, 2025 David Fishman, a senior manager at the Lantau Group, specializes in China's energy system and offers a fascinating insight into the country's nuclear power expansion. He discusses how China has rapidly constructed 37 nuclear reactors in the past decade. The conversation reveals the efficiencies gained through state-owned enterprises and advanced designs, including the innovative Hualong-1 reactors. Fishman also compares China's approaches to the U.S., highlighting challenges like regulatory hurdles and outdated technologies, and discusses the implications for global energy dynamics.
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China's Early Nuclear Ambitions
- China's interest in nuclear power stems back to the 1980s.
- Initially, they pursued two paths: an agreement with Framatome and domestic reactor development with the Soviet Union.
China's Nuclear Paradox
- China's nuclear power generation is substantial globally, approaching 60 gigawatts.
- However, it remains a small part of China's total energy mix, dwarfed by coal, wind, and solar.
China's Nuclear Ambitions
- China's nuclear ambitions are significant, aiming for 250-300 gigawatts.
- This would surpass the United States' current nuclear capacity by two and a half times.