China devises new nuke safety plan after Fukushima disaster

Beijing Bulletin (ANI) Wednesday 22nd February, 2012

China is aiming to improve the safety of its nuclear power plants as part of its plans to expand for industrial growth.

The National Energy Administration has devised on a research and development plan for the nuclear safety technology in the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear meltdown following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, The China Daily reports.

The NEA administration said that 13 research and developments projects should be completed by 2013, involving issues like operational safety and the capacity to deal with extreme disasters, including earthquakes and multiple hazards.

The move will greatly increase the safety of China's second-generation technology, allowing it to meet the standards set for third-generation technology.

The statement came after NEA's earlier announcement that it would expand its nuclear power division.

"This is an indication of public resistance to nuclear power development," industry expert at the Energy Research Institute, Xiao Xinjian, said.

China has made great efforts to improve nuclear power safety since Japan's nuclear crisis last year. (ANI)