China should accelerate the development of its nuclear power industry to reduce dependence on traditional power resources, as the country's proven oil and natural gas reserves can last only 44 and 60 years respectively, industry experts have recommended.

Although China has abundant coal reserves, this resource cannot remain the dominant energy supplier due to severe environmental pollution.

As a safe and economic resource, nuclear energy has advantages over the prevalent traditional energies and can replace them in economic production and social development, said Academician Zhao Renkai of the China Nuclear Industry Corp.

As part of China's environmental protection efforts, developing nuclear power will help diversify energy sources and consolidate China's energy security. It will also guarantee sustainable, long-term social progress and promote the national defense construction in the 21st century, Zhao argues.

Zhou Xiaoqian, a senior engineer with the State Power Corp., noted the development of nuclear power indicates the economic and technological strength of a nation and promotes the upgrading of the technological renovation and economic production.

Although China has already initiated a development strategy for the nuclear industry, this should be speeded up, Zhou recommended.

It is estimated that there are 436 nuclear power stations in the world, which generate 16 percent of world's total electricity output. Thermal power occupies the main position in China, with more than 70 per cent still provided by coal. Nuclear energy accounts for less than one percent, well below the global average of 17 percent.

According to experts, the period 2010-2040 will be the heyday of the development of nuclear power plants around the world. China should develop its own technology in the following 10-15 years so as to ensure a commanding position as a nuclear industrial power with a strong voice in nuclear strategy.

The experts added that China should rely on its own technical strength to design, manufacture, and operate nuclear power stations so as to develop its own national nuclear power industry.

Already in commercial operation are the domestically-built Qinshan Nuclear Power Station, in east China's Zhejiang Province, and the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station in south China's Guangdong Province, which generate 12 billion kilowatt-hours and 50 billion kilowatt-hours respectively.

They have helped the country form a contingent of high-quality nuclear personnel, paving the way for the development of the industry.

In addition, other provinces, including Fujian and Shandong, are preparing for nuclear power plant construction.

Yet, some problems still need to be tackled, especially over how to cut construction and operation costs of nuclear power plants and giving the sector more preferential policies.

(CIIC)