Some of the world's leading nuclear energy companies have gathered in Beijing in the hope of reaping contracts from China's planned expansion of its nuclear power industry.

Almost 200 exhibitors from 14 countries are attending the 10th China International Nuclear Industry Exhibition opened in Beijing on Tuesday and runs until Friday.

Major international companies, such as the French Nuclear Energy Society, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd, and Westinghouse Electric Company, will hold 10 meetings at the exhibition to exchange information with Chinese experts concerning nuclear power generation, environmental protection, equipment building and technical standards.

"The exhibition provides good opportunities for us to communicate with Chinese companies," said Timothy Collier, vice-president of Westinghouse.

China's decision to build more nuclear power stations would mean the introduction of more green energy, he said.

China generated 62.6 billion kilowatt hours of nuclear power in 2007, up 14.1 percent year-on-year, according to the China Electricity Council.

China National Nuclear Corporation manager Kang Rixin underlined the potential of Chinese market, saying nuclear energy was an effective measure for China to combat energy shortages and environmental pollution.

The exhibition has been held every two years since 1989. It works as a platform of technical communication, and an important channel for China to learn and share advanced technologies and equipment.

China has 11 nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 9.08 million kilowatts. Three use domestic technology, two are based on Russian technology, four use French technology and two are Canadian-designed. All use second generation nuclear technologies.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2008)