China deploys uranium enrichment centrifuge

BEIJING - China's largest atomic energy developer on Friday announced the successful installation of a domestically produced uranium enrichment centrifuge for industrial use.

The centrifuge was built in a uranium enrichment plant in Lanzhou, Northwest China, according to a statement from the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).

Uranium centrifuges are necessary to obtain concentrated U235, which is used as fuel for nuclear power plants.

Many countries are developing such devices, although few have had success with industrialized production.

The installation of the centrifuge marks a strategic accomplishment in terms of safeguarding the sustainable development of China's nuclear power industry, the statement said.

The CNNC previously said that it invested a total of 1.75 billion yuan ($280 million) in independent research and development projects in 2011.