China's nuclear-power generation to reach 20 percent by 2030

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Monday that China is expected soon to surpass Japan, Russia and South Korea in nuclear generation capacity.

The agency said that currently, 2 percent of China's electricity is generated through nuclear means, but Chinese officials have said they plan to increase nuclear power to make up approximately 15 percent of the nation's electricity generation by 2020, then 20 percent by 2030.

The report said most of China's nuclear reactors and plants are located in the eastern portion of the country. With regard to the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan, the Chinese government will consider inland reactor locations as development continues.

The Chinese government plans to have total nuclear generating output at approximately 58 gigawatts by 2030. Construction projects to boost capacity by 30 gigawatts is expected to begin in 2020.

Currently, the U.S. leads in nuclear generation capacity, followed by France, Japan, Russia, South Korea and China. China would jump to third place after intended nuclear expansion occurs.

The government also plans to have its entire nuclear supply chain operating within the country and is also planning the construction of uranium stockpiles and nuclear reprocessing facilities. The country has been importing nuclear technology up until this point. As a part of this initiative, the country also will facilitate the design and manufacture of its own pressurized water reactors.