China To Postpone Nuclear Building Plans

MALILA Harris

CHINA NEWS – China has got aback by the recent accident at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi plant and decided to suspend its new nuclear power stations for an indefinite period. In fact, the authorities have said that they would check the existing reactors as precautionary measures.

Presently China is fast building nuclear reactors and almost reached 40% of the totala number being built around the world. The accidents in Japan due to devastation at nuclear plant have pushed a panic button, and now Beijing is worried about its own nuclear reactors.

At a meeting of China’s State Council, or Cabinet, Chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao. The decision came after the meeting that stated to suspend all nuclear power projects, including those that have already begun preliminary work. The authorities have emphasized on nuclear safety regulations and waited for the approval.

The meeting also decided to improve and adjust the country medium and long-term nuclear plans. The country at present derives 2% of its electricity from nuclear power from 13 reactors and decided to accelerate the rate by launching a large scale nuclear project.

It is currently building more reactors than any other country in the world.

According to the World Nuclear Association, China is preparing to construct a total of 110 nuclear reactors in coming years.

The country is at present much dependent on coal, which is a non-renewable source of energy. Other energy sources such as wind and solar energy are part of the plan so as to reduce the pressure on coal, as it supplies about three-quarters of its energy needs.

The recent move by the government is appreciated by experts and showed it was responsible towards climate and citizens.