The State Council has approved a plan for nuclear security and radioactive contaminant prevention by 2020.

Details were published on the Ministry of Environmental Protection's website on Tuesday.

Media reports said the move half opened the door for the review and approval of the country's nuclear programs in the future, boosting nuclear energy-related enterprises.

The plan stated that China should raise security levels for nuclear energy and for using nuclear technology while reducing radiation security risks.

By 2020, nuclear security should meet the international advanced level and the ability to prevent nuclear accidents should be enhanced, as well as the security of nuclear materials and the environment, according to the plan.

Investment for key programs is estimated at 79.8 billion yuan ($12.7 billion) during the period of the 12th Five-Year plan (2011-15).