The above report on JNCX by NMF gives reasons as to why the sail-less submarine ay not be nuclear powered. This aspect is reproduced below
Propulsion Mode of Sail-Less Submarine
Given the large dimensions of this submarine, there is speculation that it may be nuclear powered. This, however, seems unlikely due to the following reasons: –- JNCX has not built any nuclear-powered vessels hitherto.
- Given the enormous nuclear submarine construction facilities created at Bohai Shipyard in Huludao, it is unlikely that there exists a requirement to augment these at this juncture.
- Facilities for building nuclear powered surface vessels have recently been set up at Dalian Shipyard to support the construction of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Setting up such facilities is an expensive process and it would appear illogical to do so at yet another shipyard.
- Sail-less submarines tend to signify either unmanned or minimally manned operations. Nuclear propulsion has not evolved to a point to support reliable autonomous functioning.
- The short time between completion of the FAH and the roll out of the first submarine (less than two years) makes it highly unlikely that the platform is nuclear powered, as the time taken to construct such vessels is generally far longer, particularly for a first of class.