China to resume nuclear power program

Despite the dangers from nuclear reactors highlighted by the Fukushima disaster, China will push ahead with plans to build more nuclear power plants.

It has indicated that it will lift its year-long moratorium on new nuclear power plants. China is targeting 60GW of nuclear capacity by 2020.

China’s cabinet said it had approved the 2020 nuclear strategy; finalised new safety standards and finished inspecting the country's existing nuclear plants.

Beijing's latest announcement marks a major step towards the full resumption of its nuclear building programme that accounts for 40% of global reactors under construction today.

Analysts said approvals for new nuclear reactors are around the corner and are expected to come very soon.

China draws most of its energy from coal but Beijing is building wind, solar, hydropower and nuclear power s to shift toward non-fossil fuel sources.