China Huaneng Group, China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Group (CNEC) and Tsinghua University signed an investment agreement Thursday in Beijing to jointly construct a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor demonstration project. It marks a key step in implementing the plan.

To generate power with high-temperature gas-cooled reactor is a new generation nuclear power technology recently developed by China with independent intellectual property rights. One of its main characteristics is its safety. Tests in China's 10-megawatt high-temperature lab show that there is no core melt in the case of reactor losing cooling and safety can be maintain for a long time.

In order to apply this technology widely in China's power construction area, ensure the sustainable development of the Chinese economy, improve the energy structure and expedite advancement of China's electricity technology Huaneng Group, the CNEC and Tsinghua University decided to jointly invest in constructing a 200,000-kilowatt high-temperature gas-cooled reactor power plant for commercial demonstration. The plan was approved by the National Development and Reform Commission on August 17.

According to the agreement the three parties would form a nuclear power company, which would be responsible for the construction and operation of the project. Huaneng, the CNEC and Tsinghua University would contribute 50 percent, 35 percent and 5 percent of investment respectively. The other 10 percent would come from new investors attracted after consultation among the three parties. They would try to let the project generate electricity by the end of 2010.

By People's Daily Online