The coastal provinces of Shandong and Guangdong could also be the sites of new nuclear power plants, under plans currently being reviewed by the State Council.

"We believe the launch of new projects is inevitable, although it is unlikely that all the projects will start at the same time," said Sun Qin, deputy general manager of the company.

If the Zhejiang nuclear plant goes ahead, it will be China's seventh nuclear power plant. The government has not approved any new nuclear power plants in the past five years.

Qiu Jiangang, director-general of the planning department of the company, said the power plant was expected to be built in Sanmen, near the Qinshan nuclear power plant, China's first self-designed nuclear plant.

The plant will be installed with two generators with a combined capacity of 2 million kilowatts. Eventually, the plant will expand to a capacity of 6 million kilowatts.

"We are actively promoting through the plan to the central government," said Qiu. "We hope construction could start next year, but it depends on government approval."

Although the final decision has yet to be made on the project, Sun said the company has already been making preparations for groundbreaking, including leveling off the ground, and constructing water and power supply systems.

At present, nuclear power plants with a total capacity of 5.4 million kilowatts are operational in the country. A further capacity of 3.3 million kilowatts is under construction.

With these plants in commercial operation, China's total installed nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 8.7 million kilowatts by 2005.

Energy-scarce coastal provinces have been actively lobbying the central government to build nuclear power plants. They hope the clean energy will satisfy their rapid economic development, and improve the environment by gradually phasing out small coal-fired power plants.

Qiu also told yesterday's news briefing the company is in talks with Pakistan to export its second nuclear power generator.

In 2000, China sold the first nuclear-power generator to the Chashma Nuclear Power Station in Pakistan, which was China's largest nuclear industry export item. The plant has a generating capacity of 300,000 kilowatts.

"The first phase of Chashma is running well, and the Pakistani side hopes to build the second phase, contributing to its economic development," said Qiu.

"The two sides have had preliminary contact on the technology, design and financing of the second phase," said Qiu.

Electricity generated by nuclear plants accounts for about 2 percent of China's total power output, much lower than the 17 per cent in developed countries.

(China Daily January 10, 2003)