A deal for the Hinkley Nuclear Power Plant in the U.K. was sealed by energy leaders from Britain, France and China. (Photo : Getty Images)
China General Nuclear Power Corp. expressed confidence that its Hualong One reactor will pass a strict British test. The test will be a first in five years.
The reactor, also known as the HPR 1000, will be assessed by a U.K. Office for Nuclear Regulation for its rigorous generic design the end of this year.
If the reactor passes the test, it will be used in a facility in Bradwell and will be the first facility using a Chinese manufactured reactor.
Mao Qing, a project manager at CGN, said, "We completed all preparatory work regarding the technology's assessment in July, and we received positive feedback from Britain during a technology conference last year. We have thoroughly studied the technologies that have gone through the process in the past and are confident Hualong One will meet the U.K.'s stringent safety, security and design requirements."
The company is looking forward to the results of the assessment because this will put greater confidence on Chinese-made reactors, according to He Yu, CGN's chief executive.
CGN also signed a final agreement to develop the Hinkley Point C power plant with the French utility EDF and the British government. The project is worth $23.4 billion.
According to Greg Clark, the U.K. regulator's business secretary, "Britain needs to upgrade its supplies of energy, and we have always been clear that nuclear power stations like Hinkley play an important part in ensuring our future low-carbon energy security."
"The projects, despite not being profitable, will bring reasonable returns for investors," he said. "The flagship program is a triple win for China, Britain and France."
The Chinese government is eager to provide efficient energy to countries like the U.K.
According to China's ambassador to Britain, Liu Xiaoming, "Right now, the China-U.K. relationship is at a crucial historical juncture. I hope the U.K. will keep its door open to China and that the British government will continue to support Hinkley Point--and come to a decision as soon as possible so that the project can proceed smoothly."
