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> We're seeing a resurgence of nuclear power, in China. *regionally. The problem with nuclear power in China is that access to water required for cooling is o
by qayxc 6y ago
> We're seeing a resurgence of nuclear power, in China.
*regionally.
The problem with nuclear power in China is that access to water required for cooling is only available in less than 1/3 of the country.
This plus the comparatively long build time compared to other methods of power generation holds it back even there; the percentage of total power generation is still in the single digits, too, so there's plenty of room for growth either way.
- dredmorbius 6y agoHow does water access affect other power generation technologies? Any thermal method will have the same constraint, though fossil-based methods are being phased out. Gas-turbine generators can simply discharge to the air, but high-efficiency dual-cycle generation includes a secondary steam phase, requiring cooling. Solar thermal may utilise secondary cooling (though rarely, possibly never, does). Solar and wind benefit by energy storage, for which pumped-hydro remains the best option. Long-distance power transmission is exceptionally efficient. China's major population and industry are in its eastern provinces, power needed elsewhere can be transmitted with low (~6%) line and transformer losses, though with disruption risk from storms, natural disasters, or accidents. "Reggionally limited" doesn't seem a huge ipediment.