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China is proceeding with plans to develop more AP1000 advanced-technology nuclear power plants, even as other countries are stalling efforts to build the pressurized water reactors made by US-based Westinghouse Co.

Wen Hongjun, the previous deputy chief engineer of the planning department at China National Nuclear Corp, said that China might become the world’s testing ground for the new technology.

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has delayed plans to examine and approve use of the third-generation AP1000 (a 1,154 megawatt-capacity plant), and the UK froze its inspection process, Wen said. The NRC has yet to approve the safety of the plants.

Wen said China approved plans for large-scale use of the AP1000. China has four AP 1000s under construction at Sanmen and Haiyang.

Westinghouse signed an agreement with State Nuclear Power Technology Co (SNPTC) in June 2007, which paved the way for construction now under way of the AP1000s.

The full text is available in the July Issue of China Clean Energy. Please visit E-shop for more subscription details.