(Yicai Global) April 21 -- Each of the three nuclear power projects that China’s cabinet approved yesterday will have two third-generation atomic reactors, industry sources told Yicai Global, estimating the total investment at CNY120 billion (USD18.6 billion).

A third-generation atomic power reactor costs about CNY20 billion (USD3.1 billion), the sources said.

“It’s the first time since 2008 that China’s State Council has approved the construction of six nuclear power units at the same time,” one of the insiders added. “It reflects the government’s policy of actively engaging in nuclear power development in a safe and orderly manner.”

Details about the intended construction sites for the power plants and the developers involved have not yet been released to the public. China National Nuclear, China General Nuclear Power, and State Power Investment are the country’s main atomic power engineering firms.

China is already the world’s second-largest atomic power producer and is expected to become the largest by about 2030, the insider said, noting that the advanced technology of Chinese nuclear power companies will make the country a strong atomic energy player.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Futura Costaglione