TNAG-1776-FCO40-2530-Daya-Bay-nuclear-power-station-project-safety-concerns-in-Ho-1988 — Page 76

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1. In August 1987 construction of a nuclear power station began at Daya Bay, 50 km north east of Hong Kong. The plant is a joint venture between the Nuclear Investment Companies of Guangdong and

Hong Kong, with shares of 75% and 25% respectively, and some 70% of

the power generated will go to Hong Kong. The main contractor to

supply the plant is French: GEC will supply the turbines and

generator. The plant will become fully operational in 1993.

2.

Since Chernobyl great concern has been expressed in Hong Kong

about the risks to the territory in the event of an accident at Daya

Bay. The discovery of a construction fault last September

heightened these fears. Following a full report from the Joint

Venture Company, the Hong Kong Government expressed satisfaction

that the error would be fully rectified and improved supervision

procedures put into place.

3.

There remains some opposition in Hong Kong to the

construction of the power station, but it is not at present a very

active political issue. Neither the Prime Minister nor the

Secretary of State has recently received any representations on the

subject.

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