Malaysian delegation visits China to study its nuclear power programme

Malaysian delegation visits China to study its nuclear power programme

Nineteen Malaysian delegates, led by Minister in the Prime Minister''s
Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, are on a five-day working visit to China
to study its nuclear power infrastructure programme at the invitation of the
Chinese Nuclear Society (CMS) starting today.

The delegation is made up of stakeholders and representatives from
government agencies such as the Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation (MNPC),
Energy Commission, Agensi Inovasi Malaysia, Economic Planning Unit and
Malaysian Nuclear Agency, as well as academicians, and Tenaga Nasional Bhd
senior executives.

Nancy said although Malaysia was still undecided whether to introduce
nuclear energy into its energy mix, it was important for the country prepare
and obtain as much information as possible on the industry.

Nuclear power is a complex and sensitive issue that requires deep
understanding, thus the delegation''s working visit is crucial in order to
obtain direct exposure from relevant countries.

"We need to be prepared (before making any decision). The main role now is
to educate. Nuclear literacy is still not there. But people are showing
interest. Even in Parliament, questions on nuclear power were being asked,
which is a good indication," she told Bernama.

MNPC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Mohd Zamzam Jaafar said the visit
would enable the stakeholders to to see for themselves not only China''s
nuclear power programme infrastructure, including power plants which were in
operation and undergoing construction, but also to study its communication
programme implementation.

"China is currently the country with the most (number of) NPPs (nuclear
power plants) under construction. They started during the early 80s,
learning from everybody, from the Russian, French, Canadian and the US. They
have also upgraded their technology post-Fukushima," he said.

Previously, a buyer of nuclear power plants, China is gaining ground on
technological expertise and its main objective is to be self-sufficient in
nuclear power.

According to the World Nuclear Association, China has 36 NPPs in operation,
21 under construction and more about to start construction.

The impetus for increasing nuclear power share in China is increasing due to
air pollution from coal-fired plants.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian delegation is scheduled to visit the China Nuclear
Power Engineering Cooperation (CNPE) in Beijing, Qishan Nuclear Power Base
in Qishan, about 100 km southwest of Shanghai, and Shanghai Electric Group
Co. Ltd.

Earlier today, the group visited the China Institution of Atomic Energy
(CIAE) and was briefed on its initiatives such as fast reactor, micro
reactor and nuclear security products.

The delegation also visited the Tsinghua University and the China National
Energy Administration (CNEA) where its Secretary, Li Yangzhe expounded on
China''s energy policy, regulations and strategy.

Malaysia is currently exploring the option of deploying nuclear energy to
meet future demand but has indicated that it is not in the rush or set a
timeline for the programme.

Currently, coal and gas account for about 50 per cent and 45 per cent,
respectively, of the total power generation mix in Peninsular Malaysia, and
less than five per cent of Malaysia''s power needs come from hydro,
biodiesel and biomass sources.

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Link to Original Article:
http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/malaysian-delegation-visits-chin
a-study-its-nuclear-power-programme-139709

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com