Photo taken on Jan. 30, 2021 shows the No. 5 nuclear power unit in the city of Fuqing, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

To ensure all core components were produced domestically, 17 universities and research institutions, as well as 58 state-owned enterprises and over 140 private firms across China participated in Hualong One's development. The number of suppliers for the No. 5 unit topped 5,300 nationwide.

The steam generator, for example, is among the 411 core components domesticated for Hualong One. While they were mostly imported from countries like France and the United States before 2007, China's first patented model was created within 27 months by a team led by NPIC experts. It works as well as those in other third-generation power plants worldwide, if not better, said Wu.

Domestic steam generators have been adopted in Fuqing's No. 5 and No. 6 units, as well as the two Hualong One units under construction in Pakistan. A total of 12 are installed and another 12 are in the making.

Self-reliant core-component production will nurture China's high-tech manufacturing industry and make Hualong One reactors less prone to export restrictions, said Wu.

NUCLEAR FUTURE

Nuclear power is considered a clean energy source, promoted for global low-carbon development. Could Hualong One's step forward in commercial operations mean a step forward for China and the world in nuclear energy?

According to the CNNC, mass construction of the Hualong One reactor is in motion in China. In September 2020, China approved two new projects in Hainan and Zhejiang Provinces using Hualong One technology.

Hualong One reactor exports are supported by its comprehensive and self-reliant product standards that cover the reactor's full life cycle, said the CNNC.

With the largest nuclear power market globally, China is capable of providing services throughout the nuclear industry chain, said Yu.

"On the back of the commercial use and mass construction of Hualong One, China's nuclear industry will take up a larger share in the global market," said Yu.