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The Daya Bay nuclear plant near Shenzhen. China's heavily polluted cities are reason alone to build more reactors. Photo: Bloomberg

With transparency, China can lead world in safe nuclear power

China has big plans for its nuclear industry. It wants to be a world leader in nuclear power by the end of the decade, dramatically increasing electricity production and exports of indigenously developed technologies.

China has big plans for its nuclear industry. It wants to be a world leader in nuclear power by the end of the decade, dramatically increasing electricity production and exports of indigenously developed technologies. There are significant hurdles, but they can be overcome by maintaining the highest international standards. With time running out to reverse global warming and no other nation as dedicated, moving ahead is a matter of urgency.

There is no more clean and reliable way of producing electricity. China's heavily polluted cities are reason alone to build more reactors; 79 per cent of power is produced by fossil- fuel-fired power stations, largely to blame for China's carbon dioxide emissions soaring past those of the European Union and United States combined. A total of 21 reactors are in operation and at least another 27 are being constructed, with more planned, among them what are claimed to be some of the world's most advanced. Just 2 per cent of energy needs are being met by nuclear, but plans are for output to triple by 2020 and increase more than tenfold by 2050.

These aims are in stark contrast to the developed world, where reactor construction has all but stalled. The 2011 Fukushima crisis has damaged the global image of nuclear power; public opposition means that reactors in Japan are still dormant and Germany's will be phased out. But wind and solar power are unreliable alternatives and hydro is not always an option. China's strategy of increasing its mix of clean energy sources, with a particular push on nuclear, makes sense.

Western reactor designs have been adapted and improved, making for a largely self-sufficient industry. With a "go global" policy, projects are under way in Pakistan, deals have recently been struck with Britain, Argentina and Romania and nuclear ties are being eyed with India. The three state-run nuclear firms can safely build and operate reactors. No country is as willing, able or determined to make nuclear power work.

Yet there are concerns about its ability to maintain high safety standards. Corruption and abuse of power have affected many Chinese industries, the most damaging being in food and pharmaceuticals. This is not evident in the nuclear industry, but that is not cause to do nothing about allaying fears. Nuclear is for now the most viable energy choice and Chinese firms are able to provide it; only with transparency and the strictest regard for regulations can acceptance be assured.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: China must lead in nuclear safety
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