China is planning to build an inland nuclear power station within the next four years, according to Vice Chairman Wang Yiren of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA).

Currently, China owns 35 nuclear generating units with a total capacity of 33.65 million kilowatts (KW). However, electricity generated by nuclear energy accounts for only 3 percent of the country's total volume, 8 percent lower than the global average. According to some predictions, the global nuclear power-generating capacity will have doubled by 2050, to account for 17 percent of the world's total.

This data suggests that China must accelerate its own development of nuclear energy. The energy demand of inland areas is growing in step with rapid economic development, and Wang pointed out that the generation of nuclear power is more environmentally friendly than other energy sources.

China also plans to lower its carbon emissions per GDP unit by 18 percent by 2021. In addition, the discharge of major pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and oxynitride will be reduced by 10 to 15 percent. Nuclear energy is one of the best tools to help realize that goal, the vice chairman said.

"Nuclear power features low carbon emissions and discharges almost no greenhouse or noxious gases," Wang noted. It is also able to generate electricity in a stable manner, he added.