| Your comparisons between power production of nuclear and solar is somewhat misleading since you are forgetting the low capacity factor of solar. In terms of power production of solar in China: >...The contribution to the total electric energy production remains modest[8] as the average capacity factor of solar power plants is relatively low at 17% on average. Of the 6,412 TWh electricity produced in China in 2017,[9] 118.2 TWh was generated by solar power, equivalent to 1.84% of total electricity production. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power_in_China In comparison: >...Nuclear power contributed 3% of the total electricity production in 2015, with 170 TWh,[1] and was the fastest-growing electricity source, with 29% growth over 2014.[4 As far as long range plans in China: >...By mid-century fast neutron reactors are seen as the main technology, with a planned 1400 GW capacity by 2100 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power_in_China In short, it looks like China is doing what any smart country is trying to do: develop all non-carbon based energy sources that they can. |
But, I want to say that growth figure is misleading as it’s comparing as specific year when a power plant came online. In terms of total TWh and rate of increase wind beats nuclear. In terms of relative percentage increase Solar is insane.
Looking at 2018 Solar’s insane year over year growth is starting to have a huge impact and does not seem to be slowing down. In some ways even 2017 numbers are misleading.