Nuclear plant gets approval from top regulator

The fifth and sixth units of the Fuqing nuclear power plant, which uses the Hualong One reactor design, known as the third-generation nuclear technology, got the green light from the National Development and Reform Commission on Wednesday, signaling one step closer to the export of Chinese nuclear technology, industry sources said.

"Though the project still needs final approval from the State Council to start construction, the green light will aid the bidding process in overseas countries, as it shows confidence in China's capabilities to develop its own nuclear technology," an unidentified source at a State-owned nuclear company told China Daily.

The concrete for the reactor at the nuclear project in China's Fujian province is likely to be poured in the first half of this year, the source said, adding that two-thirds of the equipment purchase order is complete.