CGN making more global moves for green energy

China General Nuclear Power Corp (CGN) made significant strides in expanding its international clean energy operations in 2024, marking key strategic breakthroughs in Laos, South Africa, Thailand and elsewhere.

Continuously leveraging its integrated industrial chain, the company — China's largest nuclear power operator in terms of installed capacity — has been stepping up efforts in exporting advanced technologies and production capacity overseas last year, said Fang Likui, deputy head of CGN Energy International Holdings Co Ltd.

The company has installed over 14 million kilowatts of clean energy capacity in international markets scattered across 16 countries worldwide, delivering more than 330 billion kilowatt-hours of clean power globally, Fang said at a news conference in Beijing on Monday.

"CGN's international operations have successfully brought Chinese renewable energy supply chains to countries including Malaysia, Laos, South Africa and Brazil, driving the export of nearly 1.6 gigawatts of photovoltaic and wind turbine equipment," he said.

"CGN's robust expansion efforts highlight the company's role in advancing global clean energy infrastructure and fostering international cooperation in renewable energy development."

The company recently launched the first large-scale solar photovoltaic project in Laos. The 1-million kW photovoltaic project aims to promote power interconnection between China and Laos through cross-border electricity transmission.

It will help Laos turn its natural advantages into economic benefits, expand the scale of power cooperation between the two countries, and achieve resource sharing, market complementarity and industrial collaboration.

Once completed and put into operation, the first phase of the project is expected to generate an average electricity output of 1.7 billion kWh per year. This amount of electricity can meet the annual energy needs of approximately 10 million households while saving 510,000 metric tons of standard coal each year, it said.

The clean electricity produced will also be transmitted to neighboring Yunnan province in Southwest China, supporting Yunnan's development, it added.

The first phase of the project is expected to involve over 40 Chinese companies in manufacturing, construction and engineering, along with more than 30 local firms in Laos, said Fang.

Industry experts believe China's nuclear power technology has advanced significantly in recent years, which has in turn provided a substantial boost to related manufacturing sectors, driving growth in related industries such as nuclear equipment production.

The rapid development of China's nuclear sector has also strengthened China's energy security while positioning the country as a global leader in nuclear technology and green energy innovation, said Lin Boqiang, head of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University.

With more than 40 years of excellent operation and construction experience in the domestic nuclear power and new energy fields, the company is working together with its partners to bring these experiences overseas while making local improvements, Lin said.

The company also started construction on its TFC PV project in South Africa in November — the first solar power investment by a Chinese company in the country that is seen as a benchmark for State-owned enterprises working together to expand overseas — thus strengthening China's presence in Africa's renewable energy sector.

The total installed capacity of the project is 100 megawatts, including 60 MW in the first phase. After completion, it is expected to provide 147 million kWh of clean electricity per year.

In 2024, the company significantly ramped up its investment in innovation, dedicating 5.95 billion yuan ($810 million) to research and development, underscoring CGN's commitment to advancing technological breakthroughs and enhancing its competitiveness in the global energy sector, said Li Li, board director of the company.

CGN expanded its domestic capacity by 11.53 million kW, further advancing its clean energy portfolio. As of the end of 2024, CGN's operational clean energy capacity has surpassed 100 million kW, and the company generated over 360 billion kWh of electricity, contributing significantly to China's green energy transition, it said.