China Shipbuilding Industry (CSIC) announced the successful certification of a new 20-megawatt steam turbo generator unit for ships. 

The 20-megawatts of power is four times as much as China's current generator units and equal to the most advanced generator units developed by the US and European countries.

Twenty megawatts is sufficient to propel 10,000-ton class vessels and larger vessels like aircraft carriers can use multiple generators to get the power they need.

The new steam turbo generator unit will not only provide electricity for a vessel's propulsion system but also lay the foundation for a fully electric power system for ships.

CSIC is reportedly developing China's third aircraft carrier, and experts expect it will be equipped with an electromagnetic catapult to launch aircraft. China is also reportedly looking to upgrade its most advanced 10,000-ton class destroyer the Type 055s with electromagnetic railguns.