Nuclear plants to get the nod

At Friday's meeting, the commission also announced its intention to start other energy projects including "reasonable" hydropower projects, if environmental protection and resident resettlement can be ensured.

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Ultrahigh-voltage power transmission lines were also included in the plan this year. After completion, this technology－which refers to 1,000 kV or (1 million volts) A/C and 800 kV D/C transmission－can transmit a large capacity of power from western provinces to energy-consuming areas in the east.

Zhang Zhengling, deputy director of the State Grid's development and planning department, has said the lines are a way to optimize the distribution system, increase the efficient use of clean energy and improve the eco-environment in central and eastern China.

As of January, China had completed the construction of five ultrahigh-voltage transmission lines. Two more had been submitted for approval and another six were in the works.

The measure is also considered effective for combating smog in major cities as it allows long-distance transmission of electricity instead of coal.

Lin from the energy research center said China's energy reform is focused on sustainable development that can ease environmental problems and improve air quality.

"That will lead to the reform of clean energy development and reduce the percentage of coal in the primary energy consumption mix," he said.

"Coal consumption will not decrease in China because of its huge consumption base, but its share in the total energy consumption is reducing year by year," Lin said.

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