China's largest nuclear power generator has been connected to the national grid, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced Saturday.

The trial launch of the number one generator of Tianwan Nuclear Station in Lianyungang city, Jiangsu Province, marked the success of the largest cooperation project between China and Russia.

The generator is expected to go into commercial operation at the end of this year.

The number two generator, which has the same installed capacity of 1.06 million kw has been completed and is expected to begin generating later this year.

When both are in commercial operation, they are expected to boost China's nuclear power capacity by 30 percent from the current 7 million kw to over 9.1 million kw, said a CNNC statement.

The two generators at Tianwan are expected to produce 2.12 million kw each year for east China, which boasts the fastest economic growth in the country.

The construction of Tianwan Nuclear Power Station began in 1999 and has cost 26.5 billion yuan (US$3.3 billion). Both generators feature Russian pressurized-water technology.

The connection of the number one generator to the grid reflected the strategic partnership between China and Russia, said Sergei Razov, Russia's ambassador to China.

The advanced technology was more secure than most pressurized-water facilities.

The Chinese government is relying on nuclear power to meet the rising energy demands of its booming economy.

In its 11th Five-year Plan for economic and social development from 2006 to 2010, the government opted for a "positive" nuclear power development strategy. Under the plan, nuclear capacity is to reach 40 million kw, accounting for four percent of the total national capacity.

China has nine nuclear generators in commercial operation with a total capacity of 7 million, but the potential for growth is attracting interest from international firms such as US-based Westinghouse, France's Areva and Russia's AtomStroyExport (ASE).

Razov said the two new generators were a sound basis for Russia to participate in more projects in China.

The number three and four generators at Tianwan are still out to tender as part of the second phase of the station.

Safety was the chief principle for Tianwan Nuclear Power Station, said an official with the CNNC.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2006)