China is planning to develop its own patented technology for
third generation nuclear power generating plants which could be
available before the end of the next decade, said an official with
the country's atomic energy authority Wednesday.
Zhang Fubao, vice director of the Systems Engineering Bureau
under the State Atomic Energy Authority, said Chinese experts will
study current third-generation nuclear power technology, and
develop its own reactor by 2017.
"Even by that time, we may still need international
cooperation," said Zhang.
The so-called "third-generation" technology is expected to be
safer and more economical than existing technology and will be used
in new nuclear power plants now being built in China.
The Chinese government wants to raise the proportion of nuclear
power in the country's total electric power output from the current
1.9 percent to four percent by 2020. This would require the
construction of new power plants with capacity of a total of 30
million kilowatts in 15 years.
Under a framework agreement with US-based Westinghouse signed in
December, 2006, China will acquire advance nuclear power technology
in exchange for purchasing four nuclear reactors from the
Westinghouse.
The deal allows for technology transfers including equipment
design nuclear facilities and technical support. The first of the
four reactors is expected to begin generating power by 2013, said
Zhang.
(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2007)