China in talks to buy fourth-generation Russian reactors

China is negotiating with Russia to buy a new generation of nuclear reactors, which are said to be more fuel efficient and safer than current models, the South China Morning Post reported, citing a senior Chinese nuclear engineer. Beijing is in talks with Atomstroyexport – Russia’s state-backed nuclear power equipment and service export monopoly – to buy two 800MW fourth-generation or “fast” reactors. This would be part of China’s two-pronged strategy to use imported and self-built technology to develop fast nuclear reactors over the next two decades. Construction on the two reactors was set to start in August this year, in Sanming, Fujian province, according to an October 2009 agreement signed by Beijing and Moscow. However, construction will likely be delayed until 2013, as the two sides are still having difficulties agreeing on a price.