Nuclear energy provider powering on amid outbreak

The nuclear and radiation sector in China plays a role in fighting COVID-19 with nuclear fuel cycle facilities in safe operation, nuclear power in steady supply, major projects resuming operations and advanced technologies provided for sterilization, experts said.

No nuclear power plant in the country has been shut down due to the impact of the contagion, thus helping guarantee normal electricity supply, said Tang Bo, director of the department of nuclear power safety supervision at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, during a news conference on April 15.

The country's 47 nuclear power units in operation meet all safety standards, while the quality of the 15 sites under construction is also ensured, said Guo Chengzhan, director of the ministry's department of nuclear facilities safety supervision, at the conference.

Guo urged nuclear power companies to accelerate full resumption of operations with safety as the key principle, and encouraged the application of nuclear technologies in sterilization of medical protective equipment and testing.

Wang, from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said nuclear technology is closely related to people's everyday lives, including in areas of medical technology.

Xinhua contributed to this story.