China Delays Floating Nuclear Power Plant Project in South China Sea Citing Security Concerns

• 3 June 2023
• Construction Focus
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China has opted to postpone its plans to construct a floating nuclear power plant in the South China Sea due to concerns over security, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

Despite being poised for construction, the final approval to proceed with the nation’s first floating nuclear power plant has been withheld by regulators.

While the technology for building such a facility has been extensively studied for over a decade, authorities remain apprehensive about the safety and feasibility of the project.

The presence of a nuclear reactor could potentially escalate tensions among countries in the South China Sea and pose a heightened risk of accidents or incidents with severe environmental and geopolitical consequences, according to Wang Donghui, a senior engineer from the National Energy Offshore Nuclear Power Platform Technology Research Centre, on 25 May.

“Safeguarding a floating nuclear power plant from threats such as underwater divers, vessels, floating objects, or airborne projectiles would necessitate the implementation of a comprehensive ship security system,” said  Wang.

“The recent bombing of Russia’s Nord Stream pipelines may have been perceived by the Chinese government as a cautionary incident, raising concerns that the United States could target Chinese infrastructure in the South China Sea, “ he added.

The engineer also noted that sinking a floating nuclear power plant could result in a catastrophe far more severe than the Nord Stream blasts. Despite these concerns, China maintains its commitment to regional stability and economic development in the South China Sea.

Addressing these security apprehensions, Wang’s team has put forward an alternative proposal for a dock-based floating nuclear power plant located closer to the Chinese mainland. Known as ACP100S, this facility would be anchored at a dock or port and constructed on a large barge or platform that can be towed to a desired location.

By positioning the floating reactor nearer to land, China can capitalize on nearby resources and enhance defense against external threats. One suggestion involves placing the floating plant in Bohai, an inner sea under complete Chinese control, although it remains unclear whether regulators are considering these revised plans.

As China reevaluates the feasibility and security of its floating nuclear power plant project in the South China Sea, the nation’s commitment to regional stability and economic progress remains a top priority. The exploration of alternative options, such as the proposed dock-based facility, underscores China’s determination to ensure the safety and security of its energy infrastructure.

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