FUJIAN - In a coastal province known for fishery and trade, a grey, dome-topped, reinforced concrete building is the repository of China's growing ambitions to export nuclear power.
The building - strong enough to withstand a commercial plane crash - houses the Hualong One, China's first home-grown, third-generation nuclear reactor, which came online in March 2022.
Known as Unit 5 of the Fuqing Nuclear Power Plant, it is one of two reactors - Units 5 and 6 - that form the demonstration project.
China has joined the US, Japan, France, Russia and South Korea as countries that have developed commercial third-generation reactors since such designs for this clean form of energy began to be deployed in the 1990s. The US and Russia are leading exporters of nuclear reactors.
Third-generation reactors have better safety features, shorter construction times and longer lifespans - typically 60 years - than their earlier counterparts. Second- and third-generation reactors form the majority of nuclear reactors in operation today.
While the Hualong One is not seen as a technological game changer, and building costs have yet to come down significantly, analysts said it could make for a competitive export to developing countries, especially if financing is included.
But geopolitics will still figure strongly in potential customers' considerations, they added. The US has accused China of using reactor sales as a way of fostering energy dependence on Beijing, and has discouraged other countries from these deals.
Still, American-led tech restrictions on China, such as on cutting-edge semiconductors, are often viewed by China as attempts to hold back its development.
On a media trip to Fujian organised by the All-China Journalists Association in late October, Chinese officials spoke of the Hualong One's reliability, safety record and China's construction prowess as its main advantages in the international market.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin November 10, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin November 10, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Singer Karol G apologises for song said to sexualise minors
Colombian reggaeton star Karol G apologised on Nov 11 after her latest song, +57, was criticised for sexualising minors.
Mattel mistakenly lists porn site on packaging for Wicked dolls
All may be good in the Land of Oz, but the same cannot be said for the world of Mattel.
Singer G.E.M. to perform at National Stadium in March
Hong Kong singer G.E.M. is slated to hold a concert at the National Stadium on March 1, 2025.
Actress Megan Fox pregnant again after miscarriage
After a previous miscarriage, American actress Megan Fox is pregnant again. American rapper Machine Gun Kelly, whose real name is Colson Baker, is reportedly the father, according to US media.
Singer Yu Tian's son-in-law receives suspended jail sentence for scam involvement
Gary Chen, the son-in-law of famed Taiwanese singers Yu Tian and Li Ya-ping, has been given a suspended jail sentence for his involvement with a scam syndicate.
Irish pop band The Corrs to hold February concert
Irish pop quartet The Corrs will be back in Singapore for a concert at The Star Theatre on Feb 13, 2025.
A French veterinary psychiatrist puts cats on the couch in new book
Even dog people must admit that cats are having a moment.
Lisa shares her love of Singapore food
The Thai rapper-singer is the first member of Blackpink to hold a solo fan meet here
Gladiator gets sequel after two decades
After many delays, Gladiator II hits cinemas, and star Paul Mescal feels pressure to measure up to original
Moana follow-up may accelerate Disney's film studio comeback
Walt Disney Company's most streamed movie of all time has nothing to do with Star Wars, The Avengers, or the singing sisters of Frozen.