Nuclear reactor to begin trials

The country's first experimental fast nuclear reactor will begin trials in 2010, said Kang Rixin, general manager of China National Nuclear Corporation.

The reactor is expected to burn 60-70 per cent of its uranium fuel, while a conventional reactor consumes only 0.7 per cent of the uranium it is fed.

As the reactor can increase the utility rate of uranium, it will be of significance in solving the country's energy crunch, Kang said.

US partnership over energy

China is poised to join FutureGen, an initiative by US President George W. Bush to build a giant emission-free power plant.

Shang Yong, vice-minister of science and technology, said the government will soon begin negotiations with the US about possible rights and obligations for participation in the Government Steering Committee.

The plan was announced last week at the 12th US-China Joint Commission Meeting on Scientific and Technological Co-operation.

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