China to resume work on nuclear power stations

Beijing: According to a statement released on the government website Wednesday, China would resume construction of nuclear power plants “in a steady and orderly way” and “at a reasonable pace”.

Two programs – the national plan for nuclear power security (2011-20) and nuclear power development (2011-20) – were approved Wednesday at a meeting of the State Council chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao.

A national energy development programme up to 2015 was also approved.

All new nuclear reactors must comply with the highest international safety standards, accordingto the plans, the daily said.

China’s nuclear power generating capacity accounts for just 1.8 percent of its electricity lower than the average 14 percent for countries that have nuclear power.