First fast reactor will soon supply power

BEIJING - China's first experimental fast reactor will be put into trial commercial operation at the end of June, according to its chief engineer, Xu Mi.

"Our 20-megawatt reactor has been operating successfully," Xu said. "We will put 40 percent of its power, which means 8 megawatts, into the distribution network of the North China Grid by the end of June."

Xu, the leading expert on fast reactor technology at the China National Nuclear Corporation, told China Daily in an exclusive interview that the reactor is unlike a traditional nuclear power plant because it is more efficient in using uranium and minimizes nuclear waste.