China aims to increase the share of nuclear power in its energy system from 5% currently to 10% by 2035 and 18% by 2060. This was stated by the representative of the Chinese Atomic Energy Association Wang Binghua at a press conference, the information service “Russia - China: the main thing” reports.

Wang Binghua said China is building and operating 55 nuclear power units, with another 24 under construction. According to him, China plans to launch the construction of six to eight new power units every year. China is projected to overtake the United States to become the world's number one nuclear energy producer in 2026.

The official stressed that nuclear power plays an important role in achieving China's goals to reduce carbon emissions. Thus, in the first half of 2023 alone, the operation of nuclear power plants allowed saving 59.6 million tons of coal, which reduced carbon emissions by 156 million tons. China has set itself the goal of passing the peak of carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Wang Binghua also noted that in the future nuclear power plants will be used not only to generate electricity, but also to heat cities and even regions. A pilot project has already been launched in Shandong province to use steam from nuclear power plants to heat the largest peninsula of China - Shandong (Jiaodong).

By the coming heating season, the size of the area heated by steam from nuclear power plants will reach 30 million square meters. Wang Binghua did not give an exact time frame for transferring the heating of the entire peninsula to peaceful nuclear power, but said that this would be done gradually.

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