[_aavaa_]

Because even in china they can't build nuclear as quickly (and likely as cheaply) as wind and solar. It's hugely different [0][1]. Over the last 10 years, they used 3.5x more energy (so not nameplate capacity, but actually generated energy) from solar and wind than they did from nuclear.

Further, if you download the data [1] an look at the derivative you get an even more grim picture. Not only is wind and solar increasing rapidly, but the derivative is positive (and possibly increasing itself). But when you look at nuclear, you find that not only is it not increasing as rapidly, but it's derivative is going down and heading for zero fast.

[0] https://cleantechnica.com/2023/02/06/renewables-in-china-tre...

[1] https://ourworldindata.org/energy/country/china#what-sources...

[ajhurliman]

“The best time to build a nuclear generating station is 10 years ago, the second best time is now”

-ancient proverb

[seanmcdirmid]

They can however, build nuclear plants wherever they want, which is why China is building them at all right now. They have plenty of renewable potential in the west, but it’s limited in the more populated east, and their transmission lines meant to carry power west to east over long distance are still limited in capacity.

[soligern]

How is solar and wind energy rapidly increasing “grim”?

[bobthepanda]

I believe they mean grim if you are a nuclear cheerleader.

But it is pretty damning that a country that is motivated and willing to put its money where its mouth is, is also having troubles making it happen quickly.

[_aavaa_]

Exactly yes, should have phrased that differently.

Not just motivated, but one with a track record of getting red tape (and sometime people) out of the way in order to reach a goal.

If it isn’t competitive under those conditions, what chance does it have elsewhere?