CONFIDENTIAL
THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
Background
1. The main contracts were signed in September 1986. A French contractor will supply the nuclear island: GEC will supply the turbines and generator. The plant is 25% Hong Kong owned and some 70% of the power generated will go to Hong Kong.
2.
Since events at Chernobyl in April 1986, there has been great concern in Hong Kong about the risks to which the territory would be exposed in the event of an accident at Daya Bay. Following discussions with other governments concerned, including the Chinese government, HMG has expressed confidence that the construction, operation and management of the plant will be carried out to the highest possible safety standards.
3.
We
Until recently, concern in Hong Kong had abated over the issue. However, on 15 September work on a reactor raft was suspended following the discovery that the spacing of reinforcement rods did not comply with the original design. Only 260 of the required 576 reinforcing bars had been installed. The Hong Kong Government was informed of this development on 26 September. (through Peking) and the Hong Kong Government pressed for a public statement of reassurance from the joint venture company.
It was
however reluctant to make a statement until a technical solution to the problem had been found. Because of this hesitation a statement by the Hong Kong Government was delayed until 9 October. statement referred to the problem and to a technical solution proposed by experts from the Electricité de France design team and GNPJVC. Work has now resumed on the flawed foundation. The Hong Kong Government has also received from the Hong Kong participant in the joint venture company a full report on the situation.
4.
The
The announcement has again stirred public consciousness in Hong Kong over the Daya Bay issue. The Legislative Council Ad Hoc Group on Daya Bay convened an emergency meeting on 14 October and