The China National Nuclear Corp (CNNC), the nation's largest nuclear power plant builder, is going to direct more of its own technological and design capabilities into the construction of new nuclear power generators, rather than rely on importing them from foreign countries.

The State-owned company's decision follows the government's earlier approval of the construction of four new multi-billion-dollar nuclear power generators. This is the first time in the past six years for the central government to give the go-ahead for the construction of new nuclear power plants. The move is being taken to answer the growing demand for electrical power.

China has imported three of its four present nuclear power plants from foreign countries, including France, Canada and Russia. The second-phase of the Qinshan Nuclear Plant in East China's Zhejiang Province is the only one with generators designed and built by China.

When visiting Qinshan last year, President Hu Jintao said: "Nuclear power generation is a high tech industry that cannot rely totally on purchasing equipment from abroad."

"The only way to develop our nuclear industry is to rely on our own expertise," Hu said in a speech early this year.

Sun Hanhong, director the of Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research & Design Institute, under the CNNC, said China's nuclear plants should use key technology developed by Chinese so that the nation can have a strong say in procurement and operation and in management of the plants.

Developing the country's own technology, rather than importing it from foreign countries, will also help guarantee rapid responses in case there should be emergencies.

Although foreign co-operation is necessary at present to supplement the Chinese technology, China should try to increase the use of its own designs and technology in building its nuclear power plants, said Shen.

Yang Qi, director of the Nuclear Power Institute of China under the CNNC, said domestic design and technology would also bring a reduction in construction costs, thus improving the competitiveness of the plants.

The average investment in a generator for the second phase of Qinshan plant, for instance, is US$1,330 per kilowatt, while it costs US$2,000 per kilowatt to import it.

According to the government's blueprint, the costs of the construction of the new nuclear power plants are to be capped at US$1,500 per kilowatt, in a bid to keep the plants competitive with local coal-fired power plants.

Yang said the requirement will push CNNC to rely more on domestic design and technology to cut the costs.

He said doing its own design work will also strengthen the company's bargaining position in negotiating with foreign partners.

Wang Zhaofu, a senior engineer with CNNC, said the successful operation of the Qinshan plant proves that Chinese technology and design are reliable.

The first generator of the second phase of the Qinshan plant has been in operation for more than a year with satisfactory economic and security records.

Wang also urged that the country develop its own complete nuclear industry system, covering everything from research and design, geological survey and fabrication of nuclear fuel rods to construction and operation of the plants, disposal of nuclear wastes and nuclear security.

A complete system will help consolidate the industry. This will not only help sustain the development of the nuclear power industry, but also help maintain China's military power, Wang added.

(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2003)