Agence France-Presse cited China Atomic Energy Authority chairman Xu Dazhe as saying that the proposed marine floating power station will undergo ‘strict and scientific demonstration’.
Dazhe said: "China is devoted to building itself into a maritime power and so we will definitely make full use of ocean resources."
The floating nuclear facility can be easily transported to specific locations to supply power to regions facing crisis.
Recently, China General Nuclear Power (CGN) signed a strategic cooperation agreement with China Shipbuilding Industry (CSIC) for the development of the offshore nuclear power platform.
In December 2015, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRS) approved the development of the CGN’s ACPR50S reactor design.
Designed for the supply of electricity, heat and desalination, the 200MWt ACPR50S reactor can be used on islands or in coastal areas, or for offshore oil and gas exploration.
CGN said that the construction of the first floating reactor is planned to commence next year and be completed in 2020.
Additionally, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) expects the marine nuclear power project to be commissioned in 2019.
According to Xu, the country currently has 30 operational nuclear reactors, which have a combined capacity of 28.3GW. Additional 24 reactors, with cumulative capacity of 26.7GW, are under construction.
China intends to increase its installed atomic power capacity to 58GW by 2020, for which it will have another 30GW under construction.
Image: Officials from China General Nuclear Power China Shipbuilding Industry (CSIC. Photo: courtesy of China General Nuclear Power Corporation.