China to raise nuclear power development target

China plans to increase the proportion of nuclear power in the country's power installed capacity to more than 5% by 2020 from the previous 4% target, said Zhang Guobao, director of the National Energy Bureau.

Under the growing crude oil prices and global warming pressure, the development of nuclear power has become more prominent in China's energy policy.

China will accelerate construction of nuclear power plants in the coastal areas as well as drafting plans for the inland regions.

Last week, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) inked an agreement with China First Heavy Industries to buy 4 million-kw-class nuclear reactor pressure vessels which will be installed in CNNC's Zhejiang and Fujian nuclear power plants.

Currently, China has 11 nuclear generators in operation, with a combined installed capacity of 9.08 million kw, accounting for only 1.3% of the country's total.