Gas build-up at China nuclear plant probed

French power group EDF is examining a potential issue linked to a build-up of inert gases at its nuclear power station in China, though the company and its Chinese partner say the plant is operating safely.

CNN reported on Monday the US government had spent the past week assessing a report of a leak at the Taishan power plant in Guangdong province run by a joint venture between EDF and China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN).

The US news network reported that Framatome, the EDF business that designed the plant's reactor and remains involved in its operations, had warned of an "imminent radiological threat".

EDF said the build-up of noble gases krypton and xenon, which it said had affected the primary circuit of reactor No.1 of the Taishan plant, was a "known phenomenon, studied and provided for in the reactor operating procedures".

A group spokesman said this could be because of an issue with fuel rods and seals. Measurements of inert gases were below maximum levels authorised in China, the spokesman said, adding that it was too early to say whether the reactor would have to be shut down.

Krypton and xenon do not tend to react with other substances but they do have radioactive qualities and are therefore subject to constant monitoring.

EDF has called for a meeting with CGN to go over the findings, though no date has yet been set.

State-run CGN, the majority owner of the joint venture, said operations at the plant met safety rules and the surrounding environment is safe.

"Regular monitoring data shows the Taishan station and its surrounding environment meet normal parameters," it said in a statement on its website late on Sunday.

Framatome said it was supporting efforts to resolve the situation.

"According to the data available, the plant is operating within the safety parameters," the company said in a statement, adding that it was working with experts to assess the situation.

TNPJVC, the joint venture behind the plant, is 70 per cent owned by CGN and 30 per cent by EDF.