China's CGN to apply next year for UK nuclear design approval

Hinkley Point A and B nuclear power stations are seen behind the site where Hinkley Point C nuclear power station will be constructed in Bridgwater in south west Britain, in this file photograph dated October 24, 2013.[Photo/Agencies]

China General Nuclear Power Corp, which is to take a 33.5 percent stake in the 18 billion pound nuclear power plant in Hinkley, southwest Britain, will apply next year for UK approval for its Hualong HPR1000n design, Senior Vice President Zheng Dongshan told the Financial Times in an interview.

As part of an accord on nuclear power signed yesterday by President Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister David Cameron, CGN will take the lead role in designing and building another new plant at Bradwell, in Essex, eastern England. It will have a 66.5 percent stake and Chinese technology will be used.

Zheng said his company planned to start the application process next year, and expected the process to take up to four years. UK nuclear reactor regulations are amongst the strictest in the world, and approval is seen as key to China's ambitions to export its nuclear technology.

"We think we are ready and we will wait for the green light from the UK government," he told the Financial Times.

"The more we build here, the more the consumer will benefit from lower prices and low carbon energy. So certainly, if we can build Hinkley Point, jointly with EDF, Sizewell and Bradwell, why not more in the future?"

EDF will work with CGN in all three sites – it has a majority stake in Hinckley and Sizewell as well as a minority stake in Bradwell.

"We could apply a good kind of synergy or fleet effect...we have our first foot in the UK. This could have a good effect to kick the door of other countries," Zheng told the newspaper.

To contact the reporter: chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com