Zhang Guobao, director of the National Energy Administration, is reported to have stated that China plans to start the construction of 80 GW of thermal power capacity in 2011. Ultimately, from 2011 to 2015, the goal is to build 260 to 270 GW of new thermal power capacity. The projects will be located mainly in the coal-rich western regions of China. China also plans to begin construction of 140 GW of hydropower capacity and 38 GW of nuclear power plant in the next five year period. China’s nuclear power capacity under construction currently accounts for 40% of the world’s total.
