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On March 22, the first bunch of recycled uranium 235 was carried to unit 1 of the 2 Qinshan heavy water reactors. This was the first time in the world that recycled uranium 235 was used in a commercial reactor.
Most of China's commercial reactors, especially their core technology that needs more time to digest, are imported, prompting some experts to denounce the arrangement. The use of recycled uranium 235, like it was done in Qinshan, could be one way of turning the disadvantages into advantages.
Pressure water reactors produce a lot of used uranium. It costs millions of dollars to store the spent fuel, forcing companies to increase energy prices every year. The use of the recycled uranium 235 would save a lot of money.
The cooperation of Chinese nuclear power companies will be the first step toward innovative nuclear development. From this point, I am expecting bright future.
Deng Kang,via e-mail
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(China Daily 04/08/2010 page9)