The floating nuclear technology can be used to provide electricity for oil rigs, offshore desalination plants or in remote areas such as the South China Sea. It is also suitable for nuclear-powered icebreakers.
The construction of China's first maritime nuclear power plant is scheduled to be completed by 2018 and is due to be operational by 2019. The project is being undertaken by CSIC and China National Nuclear Corp.
Chinese media reported last year that the country aims to launch a series of offshore nuclear power platforms to promote development in the South China Sea. Floating reactors were first proposed in the United States in the 1970s but then abandoned. The first demonstration of the technology is due to be launched in Russia this year.
Reaching the Deepest Sea Floor
CSIC is also developing deep-sea submersibles for rough seas, with a first vessel to be tested this year anticipated to be able to reach a depth of 4,500 meters (2.8 miles).
