context: Falling short of the 13th 5-year targets, nuclear power appears to be regaining the centre's favour. The positive tone set by the 2021 Government Work Report implies that the state intends to use nuclear power to help reach its climate ambitions.
The Government Work Report stressed active and orderly development of nuclear power on the premise of safety. This marks the first time in the annual reports that 'active' has been used to describe nuclear power development, sending a positive signal on nuclear power compared to previous reports.
In its annual outlook published in January, Nuclear Power Watch estimated that increasing the share of non-fossil energy in primary energy consumption to over 25 percent by 2030 will require building 30 to 35 nuclear power plants of 1GW capacity during the 14th 5-year plan period. Six to seven will need to be built each year.
State Grid planned to raise nuclear power installed capacity within its jurisdiction to 80 GW by 2030. Its current nuclear power capacity totalled 45.24 GW (including those under construction and approved). A further 35 GW of nuclear power plants need to start construction during 2021-25.
Regarding energy and the environment generally, the 2021 government work report also highlights
- formulating an action plan to peak carbon emissions before 2030
- optimising the industrial and energy structure
- promoting clean and efficient use of coal
- scaling up renewables
- expanding the corporate income tax rebate for environmental protection, power, and water conservation
- promoting R&D and applications of advanced energy saving and environmental tech, equipment and products
- cultivating energy-saving and environmental industries
- speeding up the construction of energy use rights and carbon trading markets
- improving the control of total energy consumption and energy use intensity
- providing special financial support for green and low-carbon development