To those concerned about the global environment, China is a major concern. And for good reason. China has a large population that is developing rapidly and in the process consumes a lot of resources and energy. Their problems with pollution are well known. However, they also have a very potent economy, a large pool of cheap labor, and are making efforts to be more environmentally friendly. They, for instance, produce more solar panels and wind turbines than anyone in the world.
They are also fairly innovative. One of the most advanced nuclear reactor designs in the world being built is the Westinghouse AP1000. China is the first country to begin construction of this reactor design and will have the first ones in operation, with the first four being built at the Sanmen and Haiyang Nuclear power Plants. China’s nuclear program is ambitious and will be critical to reducing their environmental impact. Much of their energy currently comes from coal which is one of the worst air polluting energy sources. China has already surpassed the United States as the largest emitter of carbon dioxide. Their aggressive nuclear program, with dozens of reactors currently being constructed, will go a long ways to improving their environmental situation.