China approves pilot nuclear power project

The third generation Hualong One reactor will help optimise the country's energy structure and build a diversified clean energy system

China has approved the construction of a domestically-developed third generation Hualong One reactor that will help optimise the country's energy structure and build a diversified clean energy system.

Hualong One draws on more than 20 years of experience of Chinese nuclear power operators and follows the world's leading design philosophy, said a statement released after a cabinet meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

"The approval is in line with global energy trends and will help optimise the country's energy structure and build a diversified clean energy system," the statement said.

The Hualong One reactor technology was jointly designed by two nuclear power giants - China General Nuclear Power Group and China National Nuclear Corporation. It passed inspection by a national expert panel in August last year.

In November last year, the National Energy Administration approved of the use of Hualong One technology to build two reactors in southeast China's Fujian Province.

Using the homegrown technology will help raise the competitiveness of China's equipment manufacturing industry, promote effective investment and contribute to industrial upgrades and steady economic growth, the statement said.

"While implementing the pilot project, China should adopt the world's highest safety standards and improve contingency plans and emergency response measures to ensure safe construction and operation," it said.

The project will help nurture key equipment and core technologies, paving the way for China's nuclear power equipment to enter the global market, according to the statement.

The meeting also set requirements for economic restructuring in multiple fields, including streamlining administration and delegating powers to lower levels as well as the fiscal and financial sectors and agriculture.

The country should continue to eliminate administrative approvals, prioritise measures that can stimulate the market and give full play to the role of the market through reforms, the statement said.