Post date: May 10, 2012 2:6:53 PM
China sets long-term strategy to expand its nuclear industry, despite concerns over the controversial energy source. Sarah Sheffer reports.
CHINA-NUCLEAR - As much of the world seeks alternatives to nuclear power, Beijing is setting a long-term strategy to expand the use of the controversial energy source.
China's nuclear industry is still awaiting the results of government safety checks on plants after the Fukushima crisis in Japan.
However, all signs point to China pushing forward with its ambitious nuclear energy programme.
Deputy Manager of Daya Bay, the country's first commercial nuclear power station, said they want to provide safe, green energy.
China is already the world's biggest energy consumer, and demand for energy is set to soar in the next decade.
The country's dependence on fossil fuels also makes it the world's largest source of greenhouse gas.
Chinese officials suggest that nuclear power is a safer and cleaner choice for China.
But environmental organisations such as Greenpeace say they're worried about the lack of transparency and the rapid pace of nuclear power expansion in the country.
Sarah Sheffer, Reuters