Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Dust emissions per set for thermal power generation was 1.0 g/kwh, decreasing
0.2 g/kwh over the same period last year. The national desulphurization set capacity
reached 470 million kilowatts, amounting to 76 % of coal-fired power plants.
SO
2
emissions per set for thermal power generation was 3.2 g/kwh, decreasing
0.6 g/kwh over the same period last year;
National smoke denitration sets that were put into operation reached 50 million
kilowatts, amounting to about 80 % of coal-fired power sets capacity; CO
2
emissions of thermal power have decreased year by year [
19
].
5.1.2 Nuclear Power Generation
With comprehensive features as clean, economical and safe, nuclear power plays a
significant role in future energy development. Compared with thermal power, nuclear
power does not cause SO
2
, smoke and dust, nitrogen oxide and CO
2
emissions.
Since its emissions do not pollute, building more nuclear power stations is
pivotal for national energy development.
Replacing coal-fired power with nuclear power in some areas reduces the coal
that is exploited, transported and burned.
By 2010, 442 nuclear power plants were in operation in the world, with 370 million
kilowatts of total installed capacity that generated 16 % of global energy power.
Sixteen countries and regions had nuclear power generation that surpassed 20 %
of total domestic energy production.
It was as much as 77 % of energy in France, while the European Union average
was 35 % in national totals for nuclear energy usage.
Additionally, Japan and the U.S. account for 34 % and 20 % respectively; while
China accounts for a lower percentage [
25
]. The country should develop its nuclear
power.
5.1.2.1 Nuclear Power Generation in China
China is one of the few countries that established a comprehensive system for the
nuclear industry. The State Council began developing nuclear power in 1970s.
After 40 years, the domestic nuclear power sector has made tremendous strides.
Since the route for nuclear power technology of a pressurized-water reactor was
settled on in 1983, certain capacities have been gained such as designing nuclear
power of pressurized-water reactors, manufacturing equipment, project construction,
operations and management, which has laid a foundation for greater development.
Great Nuclear Power Achievements
China intends to replace thermal power generation with alternative sources of
energy. Developing nuclear power will play a crucial role.
Ever since 1991 with the Qinshan Project, Phase 1, the first nuclear power station
in the country, operated for an electric grid and started generating power. Since
then, six nuclear power stations were built and 11 sets of 9.068 million kilowatts
were put into operations.
