China to continue building nuclear plants

China is quietly starting the construction of four new nuclear power plants placed on hold following the Fukushima nuclear disaster of March 2011.

The four nuclear plants, with seven reactors are due to start construction in Fuqing, Fujian; Tianwan, Zhejiang; Yangjiang, Guangdong and Shidaowan, Shandong.

Although not yet officially, the plants’ construction was approved in principle by the State Council in June. The plants are to be built in five years or from 2015 to 2020.

Following Fukushima, the Chinese government ordered a nine-month inspection at 41 reactors in operation or under construction, and at three reactors where construction was due to start, before the disaster struck.

The projects are planned by the country's three nuclear power developers: China National Nuclear Corporation, China Guangdong Nuclear Power Corporation and China Huaneng Group.