CHINA HAD CRISIS SIMILAR TO ONE AT FUKUSHIMA, BUT AVERTED DISASTER

China had crisis similar to one at Fukushima, but averted disaster

A top Chinese official's recent disclosure about how a nuclear disaster was averted after an earthquake nine years ago is a worrisome insight into Beijing's readiness to be upfront about its nuclear industry.

 

Appearing on state radio in mid-February, Wang Yiren, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, said, "During the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, a situation arose similar to what happened in Fukushima after the Great East Japan Earthquake."

Wang added that quick action by plant workers headed off a catastrophe like the one at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in March 2011.

While his comments appeared designed to highlight the safety of Chinese nuclear plants, nothing was ever mentioned about a possible crisis after the magnitude-7.9 quake struck in May 2008, killing about 87,000 people.

China is pushing nuclear energy as a clean energy source that can provide a stable supply of electricity for its billion-plus population.

China has drawn up plans for constructing nuclear plants by 2020 that will have a combined output of 88 gigawatts.

During his radio appearance, Wang said, "Emergency measures were implemented after a crisis situation similar (to the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant) arose at a nuclear facility during the Great Sichuan Earthquake."

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Data: 21.03.2016
Fonte: www.asahi.com