China is planning to commence the construction of the country's first floating nuclear power plant by end of this year. The power plant will reportedly be used to support offshore oil and gas drilling at specific sites.

The plant is scheduled to start operation in 2019. China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) - a state owned organization that oversees all nuclear operations in China - owns intellectual property rights of this power plant.             

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Reports from reliable sources suggest that Beijing would not be using the floating power plant for any military purposes, but instead for meeting its increasing energy needs.     

China consumes more electricity than any other country in the world. According to World Fact Book, China alone consumed 5.4 billion mega watts in 2014.

With its energy needs increasing, China aims to build 24 new nuclear plants. China plans to construct about 110 nuclear power plants by 2050.

Experts believe that by investing heavily in nuclear technology, China is aiming to reduce its dependence on coal and to emerge as an important player in the lucrative nuclear and energy export market.     

China's overwhelming dependence on coal, which has increased over last two decades, has made the country the largest air polluter in the world. However, in recent years, China's usage of coal has dropped significantly, in a clear signal that the country is shifting from coal power generation to non- fossil power.

China is also keenly pursing its goal to become a primary player in the nuclear and energy export market. With the floating nuclear power plant, Beijing also plans to export energy to coastline countries in the future.

Tagschinese nuclear plants, Floating Nuclear Power Plant