Beijing, Sep 9 (IANS): China is likely to restart its nuclear power programme in inland areas in the next five years to meet increasing demands.

Over ten provinces have plans for nuclear power projects, with 31 proposals having already passed the initial-feasibility test, Xinhua news agency reported.

China aims to lift its operational nuclear power installed capacity to 58 million kilowatts by 2020, and those under construction will reach 30 million kilowatts according to the 13th Five-Year Plan, which will be released in October.

Inland nuclear power projects stalled during the 12th Five-Year Plan period over safety concerns severely damaged its nuclear plant.

The rapid economic growth of inland provinces means the area will need more power, and China should develop inland nuclear power projects to meet rising total and per capita energy consumption, according to a research report from Chinese Academy of Engineering.

"The safety of inland nuclear power plants is guaranteed to strictly adhere to regulations and discharge standards," said Su Gang, a senior engineer with China Nuclear Power Engineering Co. Ltd.

In addition, more safety requirements for nuclear power development will be issued by the government. There are also plans to establish a national emergency and rescue team with about 320 members to deal with nuclear power accidents.

Construction of the Xipu fast neutron reactor nuclear power demonstrative project in Fujian Province, east China, could start at the end of 2017 if the project is approved in its final stages, China Business News quoted Xu Mi, an academic with the Chinese Academy of Engineering, as saying.

The demonstrative nuclear power project, designed with 600,000 kw installed capacity, will feature the fast neutron reactor, which is regarded as the most advanced nuclear power technology in the world.

While developing nuclear power projects in the domestic market, China is stepping up overseas projects and global cooperation to export its advanced equipment.