Sichuan set for first nuclear power plant

Sichuan province could have its first nuclear power station in as little as three years, the head of the Nuclear Power Institute of China told state media. Zhao Hua said the findings of a feasibility study for a nuclear facility in the village of Sanba will soon be submitted to the National Development and Reform Commission for approval. A team of experts assessed the site last year and returned in May, following the earthquake in Sichuan, to check that the area's geological structure was still sound. The power station will cost about US$3.7 billion to build and will have an installed capacity of 600 megawatts. At present, around 68% of Sichuan's energy comes from hydropower. Although the province has the largest exploited hydropower resources in China, it still suffers from shortages in the dry season.