China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) signed an agreement on joint development of traveling-wave reactor (TWR) technology with TerraPower, a nuclear energy company based in the United States, at the Chinese Province-US States Trade and Investment Cooperation Seminar in Seattle on Sept 22.

Qian Zhimin, CNNC President and TerraPower CEO Lee McIntire signed the document, a milestone for TWR technology and a foundation for further cooperation between the two countries.

Attendees also included Zhang Xiangchen, Assistant Minister of Commerce, TerryPower chairman Bill Gates, and the vice-governor of Washington State.

The research and development of TWR technology can promote the industrial upgrading and sustainable development of nuclear power, as well as develop clean energy and reduce the use of fossil fuels.