File photo of IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano [Photo: un.org]

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has taken time to specifically point to the work being done in China to ensure nuclear power safety.

Yukiya Amano, IAEA Director General, has made the comments at a quarterly meeting of the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors in Vienna on Monday.

"I have visited China a number of times and I learned that Chinese authorities are very keen to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities."

At the same time, Amano says the IAEA expects a lot of growth in nuclear power generation in China in the coming years.

"We have the latest estimate of the use of nuclear power and the lowest scenario shows that nuclear power will be used at the current level or [see] increased use by 56 percent by 2030. And the center of expansion is now in Asia, in particular China."

There are currently 450 nuclear power plants in operation in over 30 countries worldwide.

Meanwhile, Amano has also confirmed plans to seek a third term at the IAEA chief when his current mandate comes to an end later next year.