The Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant is a key infrastructure asset in China's power generation grid, located on the continent of Asia. Designated as a low-carbon electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 1968 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing nuclear energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the China General Nuclear Power Group, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1993, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within China, Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant occupies the #22 position among all operational nuclear power plants. Its 1968 MW capacity represents a 2.19% share of China's total installed nuclear generating capacity, which currently stands at 90,055 MW. The largest operational nuclear installation in China is the Hongyanhe Nuclear Power Plant with an output of 6,366 MW, making the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant approximately 3.2 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.1217% of China's aggregate generation capacity of 1,617,141 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of nuclear power plants (modeled at 90% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 15,515,712 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in China consumes 3 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 5,171,904 homes. By utilizing traditional thermal power processes, the station delivers reliable dispatchable energy to the grid, supporting grid resilience during periods of low renewable resource availability and satisfying industrial base-load demands. The physical site of the station is located at geographic coordinates 22.5973° latitude and 114.5432° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Ling Ao (nuclear, 3914 MW), the CKI Lamma power station (coal-fired, 2500 MW), the Guangdong Huizhou Pinghai power station (coal-fired, 2000 MW), representing a cluster of localized power assets. This geographic placement is vital for reinforcing regional distribution infrastructure and minimizing transmission line losses across this sector of China.
1.97 GW
33 years old
China, Asia
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant is a nuclear power plant producing approximately 14654 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.
Lifecycle emissions: ~12 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Nuclear
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
China- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant: A Pillar of China's Energy Sector
The Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant, located in the Daya Bay area of Guangdong province, China, is one of the country's most significant nuclear facilities, with a total electrical generating capacity of 1968 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1993, the plant has played a crucial role in China's energy sector, contributing to the country's efforts to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The facility primarily utilizes nuclear fuel, specifically enriched uranium, to produce electricity through a process of nuclear fission. This process involves splitting the nuclei of uranium atoms, which releases a substantial amount of energy used to heat water, produce steam, and drive turbines for electricity generation. The Daya Bay plant comprises two pressurized water reactors (PWRs), which are known for their safety features and efficiency in power production.
In the context of China's rapid industrialization and urbanization, the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant has been instrumental in meeting the growing energy demand of the region. The plant supplies a significant portion of electricity to Hong Kong and the Guangdong province, thus enhancing regional energy security and stability. The strategic location of the plant, along the South China coast, allows it to effectively serve urban centers and industrial hubs in the vicinity, thereby supporting economic growth and development.
The environmental impact of the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant has been a focal point of discussion, particularly in the context of global concerns over climate change and pollution. Nuclear power is recognized for its low greenhouse gas emissions during operation, making it a cleaner alternative to coal and gas-fired power plants. The Daya Bay facility has contributed to the reduction of carbon emissions in the region, aligning with China’s goals to transition towards more sustainable energy practices. However, as with all nuclear facilities, challenges related to radioactive waste management and potential risks associated with nuclear accidents have been subjects of ongoing scrutiny and public concern.
Regionally, the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant holds significance not only for its energy output but also for its role in fostering technological advancement and collaboration in nuclear energy. The plant has served as a model for subsequent nuclear projects in China, promoting advancements in reactor design and safety protocols. Moreover, Daya Bay has facilitated international partnerships and knowledge exchange, particularly in the realm of nuclear safety and regulatory practices.
In summary, the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant stands as a vital component of China's energy landscape, contributing to the country's electricity supply while emphasizing the importance of nuclear power in achieving environmental sustainability and energy security. Its operational efficiency, combined with its environmental advantages, underscores its significance in the broader context of China's energy transition.
Nearby Power Plants
Nuclear Power Generation: An Overview of Its Functionality and Impact
Nuclear power generation is a process that harnesses the energy released from nuclear fission to produce electricity. At its core, nuclear fission involves splitting the nuclei of heavy atoms, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, into lighter nuclei, which releases a significant amount of heat. This heat is used to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators, ultimately converting thermal energy into electrical energy. As of now, there are 243 nuclear power plants operating worldwide across 32 countries, with a total installed capacity of 534.0 gigawatts (GW). The United States leads with 68 plants generating 130.7 GW, followed by Japan with 26 plants at 72.8 GW, and France with 19 plants at 63.1 GW. Other notable contributors include South Korea and China, with 11 and 14 plants producing 49.8 GW and 45.2 GW, respectively.
See Incorrect or Missing Data?
Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.