China has world's largest nuclear power capacity under construction

The Fuqing nuclear power plant is under construction.[Photo/China Daily]

BEIJING - China boasts the world's largest nuclear power capacity under construction as it strives to reduce pollution from coal-burning generators, an official said Tuesday.

Nuclear power projects approved and under construction will be able to provide 32.03 million kilowatts, said Nur Bekri, head of the National Energy Administration.

In 2015, 8.2 million kilowatts were put into operation and 8.8 million kilowatts were approved for construction, he said.

China currently has a 25.5 million kilowatt operating capacity.

The country aims to raise total installed nuclear power to 58 million kilowatts by 2020, according to an energy development action plan released by the State Council in 2014.

China saw rapid nuclear power growth in recent years, but it suspended approval of new programs after Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011.

The country restarted nuclear power plant construction in 2014 as it tries to make energy production and consumption greener.

"China will promote the development of nuclear power in a secure and efficient way," according to the Communist Party of China Central Committee's proposals on formulating the 13th Five-year Plan (2016-2020).