China, Belgium have great potential in nuclear power generation: Vice-Premier

After visiting Belgian nuclear research center and VITO, a leading European independent research and technology organization that focuses on clean technology and sustainable development, visiting Vice-Premier Liu Yandong presents a gift in Belgium, on Sept 14, 2015. [Photo by Fu Jing/China Daily]

Visiting Chinese Vice-Premier Liu Yandong said that China will construct more nuclear power generators to help develop its economy, creating great potential for Belgium-China cooperation in the field.

Liu said China's nuclear power capacity will reach 58,000 megawatts by 2020.

"Two years after the nuclear reactors explosion in Japan, we have revised our medium- and long-term nuclear power development plan and we insist on developing nuclear electricity to expand our economy," Liu said at Belgian Nuclear Research Center on Monday.

"In the past two years, we have conducted safety checks on our power generators."

With no change in nuclear power policy, Liu said China will cooperate with Belgium on new technology, waste treatment and personnel training.

Liu said, despite rapid growth, nuclear power is still below five percent of total energy supply in China. "With China's economy growing, the country needs to develop nuclear power to support its growth," Liu said.

China also needs to restructure its energy mix, with coal still providing more than 65 percent of its energy supply, Liu said.

Lu said Belgium started early on in nuclear power research and has cutting-edge technology and experiences; China started quite late but it has developed rapidly and has a big market.

"Two sides are complementary in realizing nuclear cooperation potential and China has attached great importance to cooperation with Belgium in this field," she said.

Liu also visited VITO, a leading European independent research and technology organization in the areas of clean technology and sustainable development, in Belgium on Monday.

Liu's tour is part of people-to-people exchanges and dialogues in Belgium, the European Union headquarters, and the United Kingdom this week.