China launched Nuclear Power Expansion Scheme to expand large network of nuclear plants

China on 5 December 2014 launched a Nuclear Power Expansion Scheme to expand its large network of nuclear plants. The decision was announced by National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China.

The NDRC also announced plans to develop offshore nuclear power projects. It assured that all projects will comply with the highest international security standards to overcome the problems which are under construction of third generation reactors in China.

Actually, third generation rectors of China which are under construction have problems with pumps and valves as well as with its inflexibility of design.  China is on to resolve those problems.

At present, there are 27 nuclear power plants under construction in China along with new 1000 –MW reactors in association with US based Westinghouse. China is about to build 200 nuclear plants.

However, nuclear energy contributes less than 2 percent of the power supply of China which is far below the world average of 15 percent. The initiative is expected to give the nuclear power sector a boost, driving high-end equipment production and optimizing power generation in china.

In 2011, China ceased issuing approvals for nuclear power projects following the Fukushima nuclear meltdown.  China signed a MoU with South Africa in the establishment of partnership in nuclear fuel recycling.