But even beyond that, if the nuclear barges do what they’re supposed to, China may construct even more to provide power for its offshore fossil fuel extraction facilities. China is set to bring power to distant man - made islands in the South China Sea by developing up to 20 floating nuclear reactors . The China National Nuclear Administration plans to build the plants as a cheaper alternative to buying energy from the mainland . A floating reactor is already being built off Shandong province and the first fully functional reactor is expected to be ready to go to sea by 2021 .
China is set to bring power to distant man - made islands in the South China Sea by developing up to 20 floating nuclear reactors . The China National Nuclear Administration plans to build the plants as a cheaper alternative to buying energy from the mainland . A floating reactor is already being built off Shandong province and the first fully functional reactor is expected to be ready to go to sea by 2021 .