China to set up world’s smallest, floating nuclear power plants in South China Sea over next five years.

Beijing : While the military activities in the ‘South China Sea’ are on the increase, a small nuclear plant will soon be operational in one of the islands in this region, as announced by China. China claims that this nuclear plant is being developed to supply electricity to residential and military buildings in the artificial islands created in this region. This information has been published by the government affiliated news agency in China. China’s nuclear plant is expected to raise tensions in this sea region.

That China is developing world’s smallest and floating nuclear plant has been reported by the Chinese media. The name of this nuclear plant is ‘The Hedianbao’ meaning ‘Floating Nuclear Electric Unit’. Currently Chinese scientists and researchers are working on the development of this nuclear power plant and as being claimed it will be ready for deployment in the ‘South China Sea’ in the next five years. Measuring 6 meters long and 2.5 meters high, this nuclear power plant would be capable of generating 10 Megawatts of power. This energy can be used by the citizens residing in the islands of ‘South China Sea’ informs the Chinese media.

This plant could fit inside one of the shipping containers. Once deployed at one of the artificial islands in the ‘South China Sea’, this plant will not require refueling for the next ten years, as is claimed by the Chinese media. ‘People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has funded this project and the ‘China National Nuclear Corporation’ (CNNC) has been closely associated in the development of this nuclear plant. A plan to develop about 20 similar small and floating nuclear plants is on the anvil, informs the CNNC. No information however, is being released regarding where these nuclear plants might be deployed.

There is a talk that the salty seawater of ‘South China Sea’ can be used for this nuclear power plant. However, fears are expressed regarding different dangers related to this plant. The situation in ‘South China Sea’ has already become explosive. The Chinese and the American Navy are almost confronting each other. Given the circumstances, if a war breaks out in this region, then the China’s floating nuclear plants could prove to be dangerous for the security of this sea area. At the same time, cyclones or any other natural disasters causing leakage in this power plant may result in severe consequences in the ‘South China Sea’. This could endanger the entire marine environment, claim the experts.

China has created more than 15 artificial islands in the ‘South China Sea’ in the region of Spratly, Paracel and Scarborough. US and many South East Asia nations have expressed anger over China’s claims of sovereignty over this entire sea area and building artificial islands in the region.

Ignoring this displeasure, China has deployed its military in these islands. At the same time China has deployed anti-missile systems, drones, fighter jets and created runways for landing of heavy military airplanes. This had created huge conflict. To retort to these military activities by China, US too has deployed its submarines, fighter and bomber planes in the region.

China’s efforts to deploy micro nuclear plant in this region will invite severe reactions from US and its friendly nations.