Premier Li Keqiang gives nod to nuclear power plants

Premier Li Keqiang has ordered work to start on a batch of major environmentally friendly power generation projects, including nuclear plants, to help stabilise slowing economic growth and provide ammunition to his "war" against air pollution in cities.

He made the remarks, posted on the government's website, after convening the first meeting of the National Energy Commission under Li and President Xi Jinping's leadership.

"Now is the time to start a batch of major [power generation] projects," Li said. "This is not only a key measure to help stabilise economic growth and enhance energy self-sufficiency, it is also an effective way to adjust our energy structure and transform the way our economy is being developed."

He said construction of nuclear power plants should be resumed in eastern coastal regions "at the appropriate time", provided safety is ensured.

If residents' resettlement and environmental protection are taken care of, a "reasonable" number of hydropower plants should be built "in an orderly manner" while the construction of solar and wind power projects and related power distribution infrastructure should also be strengthened, Li added.

He did not give details of the scale of the new projects to be built.

The mainland's economic growth slowed to 7.4 per cent in the first quarter, the slowest since 2012. Li has resisted calls for a strong stimulus, but has rolled out a mini package that will cut taxes for small firms, speed up railway construction in underdeveloped regions and renovate shanty towns.