Another nuclear power plant is expected to be built starting 2017 should the central government approve CNEG-Jiangxi authorities' joint plan. (Photo : Reuters)
China is getting closer to exporting its nuclear technology as the fifth and sixth units of the Fuqing nuclear power plant, which uses the Hualong One reactor design, known as the third-generation nuclear technology, was approved by the National Development and Reform Commission on April 8, Wednesday, the China Daily reported.
"Though the project still needs final approval from the State Council to start construction, the green light will aid the bidding process in overseas countries, as it shows confidence in China's capabilities to develop its own nuclear technology," an unidentified source at a state-owned nuclear company told China Daily.
China Daily reported that construction for the reactor at the nuclear project in Fujian Province is likely to start in the first half of this year, as two-thirds of the equipment purchase order is done.
The report said that the recent approval has made Fuqing the first nuclear project that will use the third-generation nuclear technology.
Experts said that the government is expected to approve more new nuclear power projects this year, as China wants to build its credibility to export nuclear technologies with independent intellectual property right.
According to the report, China National Nuclear Corporation, which is the biggest owner of the Fuqing nuclear power project, is also promoting the Hualong One design to countries such as Turkey and Argentina.
The construction of the Fuqing nuclear power plant will help the company bid for projects in these countries, the report added.
According to China Daily, the Fuqing plant will contain six Chinese-designed pressurized water reactors. The first four units of the plant are Chinese-developed CPR-1000 reactors that make up the first four units of the plant. Unit 2 is expected to start its operation in August.
The first unit of Fuqing nuclear power plant reached its full capacity last year, the report said.
According to Remy Autebert, a senior executive vice-president for the Asia-Pacific region at Areva, the French nuclear giant, China is fast-tracking the construction of six to eight new reactors for its nuclear projects every year.
At present, China has 22 nuclear power reactors with an installed capacity of about 17 gigawatts. At least 26 more units are under construction, with combined capacity totaling almost 30 gigawatts.
China suspended approval for nuclear plants after the Fukushima disaster to revise safety standards. The government lifted the ban on new nuclear power stations at the end of 2012, and said it would only approve proposed projects for coastal areas within this year.
