Homemade nuclear generator to ease 'hunger for power'
By Shen Wei (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2004-06-10 13:22

Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant in eastern China's Zhejiang Province, with its newly-built Phase II nuclear power generator unit, is expected to help ease the country's tremendous "hunger for power."

No.2 nuclear generator unit of Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, Phase II. [chinadaily.com.cn / Shen Wei]

Dozens of cities in eastern China are suffering from regularly blackouts due to electricity shortage as the country's fast-expanding economy cries for more electric power.

Li Yongjiang, general manager of Nuclear Power Qinshan Joint Venture Co Ltd, speaks at a press conference Wednesday, June 9, 2004. [chinadaily.com.cn / Shen Wei]

The gap between demands and power supplies is so huge that authorities in a lot of places have to call on government offices and residents to turn off neon lights, air conditioners and even half of the street lamps in peak time.

"Of course we can't expect the new generators in Qinshan Phase II to fulfill the entire electricity deficit in the region," said Li Yongjiang, general manager of Nuclear Power Qinshan Joint Venture Co Ltd. "However, the No 2 generator unit is the first one that China owns most intellectual property rights of its technology. It's our first homemade nuclear generator unit and that's a milestone to develop nuclear power in China to ease shortages."

China, whose nuclear power composes less than 2% of its overall electric power, is still depending on thermal power plants while nuclear energy accounts for over 70% of their electricity supplies in some developed countries.

"We are trying to raise the proportion figure from less than 2% to 4% in 2020. It's a difficult task indeed. But having a good start in Qinshan, we are confident towards to the future." Li said.

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