China plans to patent its own nuclear third-generation

China has the ambition to develop its own patented technologies on nuclear third generation, which should come into operation in China at the end of the next decade, said Wednesday an official in charge of the country’s atomic energy .

Chinese experts conduct studies in technology on the third nuclear power generation to enable China to develop its own nuclear reactors by 2017, said an official named Zhang Fubao.

“We’ll probably still need for international cooperation at the time,” said Zhang.

Technologies ‘third generation’ should be safer and cheaper than existing ones and will be used in new nuclear plants being under construction in China.

The Chinese government plans to increase to 4% the proportion of nuclear power in total electricity production in the country in 2020, against 1.9% currently, which will require the construction of new nuclear power plants equipped d ‘ a total capacity of 30 million kw in 15 years.

According to an agreement signed with the U.S. company Westinghouse in December 2006, China is acquiring advanced technologies in nuclear power in exchange for ordering four Westinghouse nuclear reactors.

This agreement has enabled the transfer of technology, including equipment design and technological support. The first of four reactors expected to come into operation in 2013, provides for Mr. Zhang.