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(i). a nuclear reactor for power generation in Guangdong, in the range 600-1300 mw
(ii)
(iii)
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time about 7 years (the Americans, French and West Germans are also displaying interest in supplying reactors to China);
2 x 59 mw gas turbine generators (and associated equipment, including two waste heat boilers, and fuel for the gas turbines) for Guangzhou, to help cover the period until the nuclear plant is ready;
5 x 10 mw hydro-electric units at a site near Swatow.
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Mr. Weedon says that all these proposals are tentative, although many "memoranda of understanding" have been signed. There is still some way to go before any deals are finalised for example, payment terms have not yet been discussed.
19.
An interesting point which emerges from Mr. Weedon's note, so far as Hong Kong is concerned, is in respect of the nuclear plant. A planned visit by GEC to Guangzhou in the middle of March has been postponed at Chinese request. One of the reasons they gave for this was "a suggestion by Kwangtung to provide Hong Kong with electricity". Mr. Weedon tried to find out what the Chinese had in mind.
The suggestion seems to have been very tentative, and
Mr. Weedon thinks it is a "very much long term consideration".
ESB comment
20.
Hong Kong would not wish to become dependent on China for electricity. However, as an alternative to adding to Hong Kong's generating capacity in the early 1990s, the import of some power then would appear unobjectionable, provided the price was right. Scarce land in Hong Kong would be saved for other uses, and pollution would not be increased by the addition of another power station.
CONFIDENTIAL 8