Several plans for the development of China's energy sector and nuclear power safety over the next five years have been passed, according to a statement released after an executive meeting of the State Council on October 24.

The executive meeting discussed and passed the Nuclear Power Safety Plan (2011-20) as well as the Mid- and Long-term Development Plan for Nuclear Power (2011-20). During the 2011-15 period, China will not construct any nuclear projects in inland regions, but only construct a few projects in coastal areas that have gone through adequate evaluation processes.

China will also apply the world's tightest safety requirements to new nuclear power projects and adhere to third-generation nuclear safety standards in constructing new projects, the statement said.

On the same day, China also issued the 2012 edition of its energy policy white paper, elaborating on its energy development policies, energy conservation and the promotion of renewable power sources. China's installed nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 40 million kw by 2015, according to the white paper.