China blames minor fuel rod damage for nuclear plant issues

BEIJING: A handful of damaged fuel rods is behind a build-up of radioactive gases at a nuclear power station in southern China, authorities said Wednesday, describing the problem as “common” with no need for concern.

CNN reported earlier this week that the US government was assessing a report of a leak at the Taishan plant in China’s southern Guangdong province, and French nuclear firm Framatome which helps operate the plant reported a “performance issue”.

There has been an increase in radioactivity in one of the plant’s two nuclear power units due to five damaged fuel rods, said a joint statement by China’s environment ministry and the National Nuclear Safety Administration.