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China's leaders ordered safety checks for existing nuclear facilities, a review of projects under construction and improved safety standards. "The inspection results show that nuclear security is guaranteed in China," according to a government report on its energy policy also released Wednesday. "China implements the principle of `safety first' in the whole process of nuclear power station planning." China currently has 15 nuclear reactors that provide about 12.5 gigawatts of generating capacity, and another 26 reactors are under construction that will add 30 gigawatts, the report said. Nuclear power accounts for only 1.8 percent of power in China, it said. The government report also said that China is now 90 percent energy self-sufficient, but acknowledged high demand will continue to put a strain on resources. It also warned of "grave challenges" to its energy security in its growing dependence on imported petroleum. Imports accounted for a third of total petroleum consumption in the early 2000s and have jumped to nearly 60 percent now, the report said.
China will also encourage private companies to participate in exploration and development of energy resources, it said.
[Associated
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