Technical hurdles may block China nuclear power plans

Subject

China's nuclear programme.

Significance

China has the world's largest fleet of new nuclear plants and plans to increase its nuclear energy capacity more than fivefold over the next 15 years. It is one of the few countries to be adding to capacity, while expansion has largely stalled in Europe, the United States and Japan. Chinese companies have also started to sign deals with other countries to build plants there.

Impacts

• Nuclear energy will enhance security of electricity supply in the economically crucial coastal provinces.
• Success in its domestic programme would position China to rival Russia in the international market.
• Nuclear power will help China tackle air pollution, currently a greater political liability than concerns about nuclear safety.
• Public opinion seems unlikely to become a barrier to expansion unless there is a serious nuclear accident.