China's self-developed nuclear reactor, known as the CAP1400, will be ready for export this year, an executive from State Nuclear Power Technology Corp said on Friday.

The construction site of Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant in Zhejiang province, which uses the AP1000 reactor by Westinghouse Electric Co. [Photo/Xinhua]

The design of CAP1400 is based on the AP1000 reactor made by Westinghouse Electric Co. The AP1000 is known for its third-generation nuclear technology, with higher unit efficiency than older models and an optimized layout.

China owns the intellectual property rights for the CAP1400, making it possible to export the reactor.

"The technology is under evaluation by the National Energy Bureau, and a demonstration project can be built by the end of 2013 at the earliest," said Gu Jun, president of State Nuclear Power, during a press conference in Beijing on Friday.

"Exploration of the global market for the CAP1400 will start in 2013," Gu added.

Ma Lu, vice-president of State Nuclear Power, said conditions would be mature for the technology to be exported once it gets the green light from authorities.

As market exploration will be done in cooperation with Westinghouse, the company can take the lead in the effort as it has established its advantage in the industrial chain. "But in some markets, such as South Africa, we hope that State Nuclear Power can take the initiative and promote the CAP1400," Ma said.

Jack Allen, president of Westinghouse Asia, said that a continuous partnership with State Nuclear Power is an important step to achieve mutual success.

On Tuesday, the top of the containment vessel was installed on the world's first AP1000 unit, unit 1 of the Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant in Zhejiang, marking the end of general construction works of the unit's nuclear island.

The unit is expected to be the world's first AP1000 reactor to begin operations, as soon as in 2014. All four AP1000 units in China are scheduled to be operational by 2016.

The construction of the units — two at Sanmen and two at Haiyang in Shandong province — was authorized by Westinghouse and its partner, the Shaw Group, in September 2007.

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