V-9 Quesiton: China is one of the few countries that have harnessed nuclear technology. Nuclear accidents in some countries have made people concerned with the safety of nuclear energy. What progresses has China made in the peaceful use of nuclear power, especially in electricity generation? What measures has China taken to ensure the safe use of nuclear energy?
A: China built its first nuclear power plant in the 1980s. In December 1991, the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, located in Zhejiang Province of east China went into operation, which marked a breakthrough in the development of nuclear power electricity generation in China. In the succeeding two decades, China has built nine nuclear plants and 10 more plants are under construction. They have a total electricity generating capacity of 16 million kw. Electricity generated by the nine plants in operation accounts for 2.3 percent of the total electricity generated in China. Nuclear power plants have played a crucial role in balancing energy supply and demand, and contributed to energy sources diversification and pollution control.
According to the government plan, by the year 2020, China's nuclear power electricity generating capacity will reach 40 million kw, accounting for 4 percent of the total power generating capacity. That is to say that during this period, 30 nuclear power generators, each with a generating capacity of over a million kw will be installed. These new nuclear plants will be located in Zhejiang, Guangdong, Shandong, Liaoning and Fujian provinces. In addition to these power generators armed with second-generation nuclear power generating technology, four generators with third generation technology from the United States will be constructed down the road.
The Chinese Government has set up nuclear safety legislations and management systems according to international standards. China has set up independent nuclear power management agency to monitor the construction and operation of nuclear plants. Safety assessments have been conducted for various stages of nuclear plants, including site selection, design, construction and operation. Up to now, nuclear power plants have been operating safely.
(China.org.cn)