Westinghouse switches on to big potential in China

US-based Westinghouse Electric Co expects to begin fuel loading at the world's first AP1000 nuclear plant in November, as the facility in Sanmen, Zhejiang province, edges closer to becoming operational early next year, the company's executives said on Wednesday.

Despite being several years behind schedule, Gavin Liu, president in Asia for Westinghouse, said the move will pay the way for more opportunities in a booming nuclear market with more than 100 new nuclear power plants planned in coming decades.

"We plan for further expansion and investment here, as we will play a strong role in the market," he told China Daily during a four-day international nuclear event in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.