China will step up efforts in developing innovative nuclear power technologies of its own, according to reports from the 6th China-EU Energy Corporation Conference in Shanghai.

China plans to increase its combined installed capacity of nuclear power stations to 40 million kilowatts by 2020, or four percent of the mainland's total.

"To realise this goal, two or three generating units have to be launched every year, with a capacity of at least 1 million kilowatts each," said Shen Wenquan, deputy chief of the science and technology committee of China National Nuclear Corporation.

Currently, China has nine nuclear generators in operation on the mainland, with the combined installed capacity of 6,998 megawatts, making up 1.59 percent of its total. The electricity generated by nuclear power accounts for 2.3 percent of the country's total.

Another two nuclear power projects are scheduled for this year. The Qinshan nuclear power plant will undergo an extension next month, while construction on an extension project of the Ling'ao nuclear plant is due to start by the end of this year, said Shen.

"It is essential to exploit nuclear energy as hydropower resources are limited and thermal power is not so environmentally-friendly," said Ma Songde, vice-minister of science and technology.

The government hopes to launch projects on its own "third-generation" nuclear technologies by 2012 and build a prototype fast-breeder reactor by 2020, experts said at the conference.

"While relying on its own research and development, China also actively participates in international cooperation. The European Union is one of our most important partners in the field of nuclear power development," Ma said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2006)