The technology, which is called AP1000 from U.S.-based nuclear power company Westinghouse, is a third-generation nuclear system. Compared with other reactors already in use in China, those using the third-generation technology are considered to be safer and able to run for longer time periods
– By Linton Levy –
According to a Xinhau report, China, which is currently building the largest number of nuclear power stations worldwide, is expected to use one of the most advanced technologies for constructing 10 of its nuclear reactors, according to an energy official.
The technology, which is called AP1000 from US-based nuclear power company Westinghouse, is a third-generation nuclear system. Compared with other reactors already in use in China, those using the third-generation technology are considered to be safer and able to run for longer time periods.
The Westinghouse technology will be used on six reactors at three inland nuclear plants in Hunan, Hubei and Jiangxi provinces – the country's first group of inland nuclear power projects.
The AP1000 technology will also be applied for two pairs of reactors, one in Sanmen in coastal Zhejiang province, and the other in Haiyang, Shandong province, said the official who did not want to be named because of security issues.
Future inland projects are also set to use the same AP1000 technology and Chinese authorities are considering the AP1000 as a standard, he said.
"The technology will upgrade China's nuclear power industry, which is seeing its fastest development now," the official said.
Construction of the projects will need final approval from the central government, he added.
The plan to use advanced technology for more nuclear reactors is in line with the rapid development of the country's nuclear power sector, according to analysts.