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

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.

- Video Advertisement -

Related Post

Cambodia Unveils Modern National Assembly Building with USD25 Million Vietnamese Aid

Cambodia has inaugurated a modern National Assembly administration building, constructed with a USD25 million aid package from Vietnam. The ceremony, held on 21 November 2024, was attended by Samdech Khuon Sodary, President of Cambodia’s National Assembly, and His Excellency Tran Thanh Man, President of the National Assembly of Vietnam, symbolising the enduring friendship between the […]

Brunei’s Khazanah Nasional Targets Multi-Sector Infrastructure Investment in Cambodia

Khazanah Nasional Berhad, a leading investment firm from Brunei Darussalam, has announced plans to explore infrastructure investment opportunities in Cambodia, focusing on health, water resources, transport infrastructure (including railways and airports), and banking. This initiative was discussed during a meeting between PM Hun Manet and Khazanah’s CEO, Mr. Dato Khairul Hamed, on 19 November 2024. […]

Japan Invests Over USD40 Million in Cambodia, Enhancing Economic Partnerships in 2024

Japan has invested over USD40 million in Cambodia during the first ten months of 2024, reaffirming its position as the seventh-largest investor in the country. This development was highlighted in a report by the Council for the Development of Cambodia, released on 19 November 2024. To further strengthen bilateral economic ties, the Cambodian Duke Association […]

Chinese Investor Zhongjiao Tongli Expands Agricultural Ventures in Ratanakkiri and Mondulkiri

China’s Zhongjiao Tongli has announced plans to invest in large-scale cultivation of bananas and mangoes across Cambodia’s northeastern provinces of Ratanakkiri and Mondulkiri, signalling a significant boost for the nation’s agricultural sector. The announcement followed a meeting between PM Hun Manet and Mr. Zhongdi Sun, President of Zhongjiao Tongli, on 6 November 2024, in Kunming, […]

Korean Firm Heungkuk Industry Eyes Investment in Cambodian Cashew Processing Sector

Heungkuk Industry, a leading South Korean construction materials manufacturer, is set to invest in Cambodia’s burgeoning cashew processing sector. The commitment was unveiled during a meeting on 19 November 2024 between HE Vongsey Visoth, Deputy PM overseeing the Office of the Council of Ministers, Mr. Lee Kee Yun, Director of Heungkuk Industry, and Professor Lee […]

ARK Electronics Group Unveils USD1.3 Billion AI driven Industrial Park Project in Kampong Speu

ARK Electronics Group, a leading Chinese company, has announced an ambitious USD1.3 billion investment to establish a 1,000-hectare industrial park in Kampong Speu Province, set to transform the province’s industrial landscape. The announcement followed a high-level meeting between HE Dr. Cheam Chansophoan, Governor of Kampong Speu Province, and Ms. Chang Venza, General Director of ARK […]