US Nuclear plant sale on hold

Plans for the first sale of US-made nuclear reactors to China could face delays amid concerns in Washington over proliferation of nuclear technology. Westinghouse Electric, owned by Britain's state-owned BNFL, announced earlier this month that it had applied for a license to build two 1100 megawatt nuclear reactors in China, generating US$2.7 billion in revenue. The company said it was expecting a decision by the end of the year. However, US officials told Reuters that the license was under review pending concerns over China's adherence to non-proliferation commitments and no timeline for a decision had been set. If it gets the go-ahead the reactor sale would open up important new markets for American companies eager to take advantage of China's need for new sources of energy.