BEIJING — Beijing is doubling down on nuclear energy development in an effort to pump up power in the South China Sea.

According to Wang Yiren, vice director of the State Administration of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defence, China plans to build a floating nuclear power plant over the next five years. About 20 floating stations are expected to be built and posted in the disputed islands, Science and Technology Daily reported.

China claims ownership of the entire South China Sea, despite counter claims by Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei. The Chinese have control over a number of islands in the Spratlys and Paracels, where diesel generators are currently the main power source. The generators are neither efficient nor environmentally friendly.

With a floating nuclear platform, China hopes to provide a stable source of power to residents and troops based in the Chinese-controlled disputed islands. It also aims to promote offshore gas and oil exploits in the area.

Floating power stations are believed to be less prone to natural disasters. Emergencies like a melting core could be prevented by simply pumping in cooling seawater.

Developing nuclear power will also help cut down carbon dioxide and pollutant emissions.

Ultimately, China wants its nuclear power capacity to reach 58 million kilowatts by 2020.

Research on the core technologies has already been carried out. Ally Russia has been developing a similar facility for Arctic waters, so China is seeking cooperation in a bid to speed up their plans.