[File photo]

Chinese energy authorities on Wednesday agreed to conduct research on the feasibility of building the country’s first heating nuclear reactor in an effort to generate reliable winter heating amid China’s reduction of coal consumption.

According to news portal ThePaper.cn, China’s National Energy Administration has already appointed Tsinghua University and China General Nuclear Group (CGNG) to find a location, develop emergency plans, and gather public opinion. Once the reactor is built, it will help solve the problem of air pollution that has choked smog-prone major cities in China.

Shu Guogang, vice director of CGNG, told ThePaper.cn that the heating reactor will use NHR200-II low-temperature nuclear heating reactor technologies, which was developed by Tsinghua University. Shu noted that the technology is more suitable for industrial steam supply and is safer and more efficient.

“Once the plan is fulfilled, we can use the successful experience for mass production of heating nuclear reactors, reducing the production phase to two or three years,” said Shu.

Nuclear power has been emphasized by China’s energy authorities in recent years after the country’s deteriorating air quality forced the government to cut coal consumption. The State Council in January approved the restructuring of two leading Chinese nuclear companies to improve the country’s research ability and commercial use of nuclear technologies.