Hong Kong has role to play at new nuclear plant

Some people have understandably expressed safety concerns about the nuclear power plant which is under construction in Taishan, given the lack of information from the authorities and the operator.

Hongkongers are also worried about whether there will be an accident notification mechanism in place once the plant commences operation.

The fact that Guangdong is undergoing a nuclear expansion scheme fuels legitimate concerns and calls for greater transparency.

While people demand more information on the Taishan project, there is a need to put the debate into perspective.

There are claims that the European Pressurised Water Reactor (EPR) technology in Taishan is immature and has not been approved by European countries. The fact is EPR is one of the world's most advanced pressurised water reactors, an improved descendant of two familiar and proven reactor technologies - the French Framatome N4 reactor system and the German Konvoi reactor system. EPR has already been accepted by nuclear safety regulators in Finland, France and China for construction, and more recently in the UK for preparation for construction.

Finland, France and China have commenced construction of EPR power plants.