Prime minister Zhu Rongji said that China needs to “moderately develop nuclear power” during the country’s 10th five-year plan. The nuclear industry developed rapidly during the 9th five-year plan (1996-2000).
Deputy general manager of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) Huang Guojun said that during the 10th five-year plan CNNC will extend the use of nuclear technology in the military field, reinforce the key role of the nuclear fuel cycling sector and further advance the industrialisation of applied nuclear technologies.
Nuclear power projects that are likely to form part of the five-year plan include phases II and III at Qinshan, Ling Ao 1 and 2, Tianwan 1 and 2, and a project at Sanmen in the Zhejiang province.
Unit 1 of the locally designed and built Qinshan began commercial operation in 1994. Also started in 1994 were the two Daya Bay units, built by China and France.
The Daya Bay plant has operated continuously for a record 1000 days. Last year the station generated 14TWh and earned $590 million in foreign exchange. Over 70% of the total loans for its construction have been repaid.
