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Nuclear projects may finally get approved by the Chinese government before the year ends, according to Chinese officials.
One nuclear project, the Hongyan River nuclear facility, is most likely to be approved first.
A top official said that there are other ongoing nuclear projects and that their approval would guarantee energy and economic improvements for China.
According to National Nuclear Safety Administration deputy director Guo Chengzhan, some of the upcoming nuclear projects are slated to begin construction this year.
A preliminary list that contains the projects slated for final approval has been made by the regulatory body. According to another official named Tang Bo, China's nuclear energy development plan will be resumed.
"Our job is to complete the technical preparation of the nuclear sites before the government's final approval," said Tang.
Safety inspections and impact assessments for three nuclear projects are currently being handled by the administration. These include units 5 and 6 from the Hongyan River nuclear project, Fuqing nuclear power plant's unit 5 and 6, and the Shidao Bay nuclear demo project.
No specifics have been given yet on which of the nuclear projects will be approved first.
Chairman Pan Ziqiang from the China National Nuclear Corp's Committee of Science said that the first probable project to get approval is the Hongyan River nuclear plant. This is due to the project's swift completion of the administration's inspections.
"No matter which project gets approval first, it will be a big step forward for China to revive the industry after Japan's nuclear catastrophe," said Pan.
Previously, approvals for the construction of nuclear plants have been suspended due to Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster during the unfortunate tsunami and earthquakes in 2011.
Because of the recent air pollution problems, China is resuming nuclear energy programs.
International nuclear firms are now cooperating with China's largest nuclear companies to set up core nuclear technologies in order to enter the rapidly growing nuclear market in China.
Canadian firm Candu Energy Inc. recently managed to pass China's nuclear expert panel for its Candu reactor, granting the firm access to commercialization of the technology.
Two Candu reactors are already being used by Qinshan nuclear plant in China. Both of which are to be revamped next year to utilize recycled uranium fuel.
