SCIO briefing on 'Nuclear Safety in China' White Paper
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E-mail China.org.cn, September 5, 2019
Reuters:
I'd like to ask what is the current status of the proposed nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in China with France's Areva, with the previous proposed site in Lianyungang abandoned, a work in China due to reassure the public that such a facilities are safe. And also a quick second question. We have some new nuclear reactor approvals early this year. Just wondering what can we expect them of.
Liu Hua:
Thank you for your questions. The first one refers to a project jointly operated by China and France to handle the disposal of spent fuel. The program, which was highlighted and promoted by the two state leaders, is making headway as business negotiations are about to conclude. In addition, we are working together to unify safety criteria and press ahead with cooperation on security supervision. Recently, the project has progressed in line with the planned schedule. In my view, there will be even greater achievements in the treatment of spent fuel with the joint efforts between the two countries.
The disposal of spent fuel, critical to China's closed nuclear fuel cycle, should be handled in reprocessing plants, which will be solely built by us or jointly built by us and France for commercial uses. Related works are in full swing. In this process, we need to communicate with local people and governments concerning various issues, particularly the choice of sites. We need to tell them that the plants, including the site, design, construction and operation, will be safe, and that the plants will not release radioactive waste to their surroundings and endanger local lives. Reprocessing plant is regarded as a nuclear facility in China. There are stringent national safety standards. Thank you.
The second question is about the new projects. Not long ago, the National Energy Administration publicized several new nuclear power projects approved by the State Council earlier this year. All of them are smoothly progressing in the preparatory phase. In the following months, projects like the Zhangzhou nuclear power project in Fujian province and the Taipingling nuclear power project in Huizhou, Guangdong province will start construction after passing the latest security review. Now, they are all in the preparation phase. Thank you.
