Westinghouse eyes more cooperation in nuclear projects

Westinghouse Electric Co said it's looking forward to more cooperation in the nuclear sector with Chinese partners as power demand in the country is spurred by economic growth and concerns over environmental protection increase in the country.

"We are confident AP1000, a key nuclear technology, will be more adopted in the country and we will have our local team to promote the technology in China," said Jose Emeterio Gutierrez, president and CEO of the nuclear energy technology provider.

Gutierrez was accompanying US President Donald Trump during his state visit to China this week.

"There are a number of economic and social drivers that make nuclear the right option for clean, safe, reliable energy, including its reliability, long-term stable electricity prices and its on-site fuel source location," he said.

Gutierrez said he believed there would be more cooperation between the two economies in the energy field, especially in the natural gas and nuclear sectors.

Xiao Lian, director of the Center for US Economic Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Sino-US energy cooperation would provide employment for the US while ensuring long-term oil and gas supplies for China, a win-win for both countries.

Westinghouse and State Nuclear Power Technology Co signed contracts for six AP1000 nuclear reactors to be built in China earlier, ahead of Trump's visit to China.

China accounts for some 10 percent of Westinghouse global portfolio.

Zou Shuo contributed to the story.