Price reforms, nuclear power top Chinese energy agenda

Premier Wen Jiabao has spelled out the directions China intends to take to ensure the flow of electric power on which its progress depends.

Wen told delegates to the 5th session of the 11th National People's Congress the government will optimize the energy infrastructure; safely and effectively develop nuclear power; promote the clean and efficient use of traditional energy and increase the share of new and renewable energy.

"We will prudently carry out the reform of electricity prices by implementing progressive pricing for household electricity consumption and improving pricing mechanisms for nuclear power, hydropower and power generated from other renewable energy sources,” he said.

Yang Qi, honorary president of the Nuclear Power Institute of China and a political advisor, said China should not halt nuclear power projects out of safety concerns due to the rising energy consumption needed for economic growth.

"We should have full confidence in the safety of nuclear power," Yang said.

He said the safety of China's nuclear power stations, both those in operation and under construction, can be ensured geologically since it is unlikely any major tsunamis will hit those sites.

In 2008, the total capacity of China’s 14 nuclear power reactors reached 9.1 million KW, accounting for 1.3% of the country's total capacity.

The latest nuclear power development plan from the National Development and Reform Commission said some 70 nuclear power reactors will be in operation in 2020, accounting for 5% of total capacity. By 2050, the total capacity of China's nuclear power reactors will reach 400 million KW.