Wang Shoujun (L), chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), introduces the HPR 1000 to Chinese President Xi Jinping (M) and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev (R) at the China Pavilion in Astana on June 8. [Photo/CNNC]

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev visited China Pavilion before the opening ceremony of the 2017 Astana Expo on June 8, during which CNNC’s Chairman Wang Shoujun introduced the HPR 1000 to officials. 

“The HPR 1000 is China’s completely self-developed third-generation nuclear power technology,” said President Xi. 

CNNC’s Fuqing Unit 5, the first global demonstration project of the HPR 1000, completed its dome lifting 15 days ahead of schedule, according to Wang.

The HPR 1000 has active and passive systems that can guarantee the power plant’s safety during a station block out (SBO) within 72 hours, according to the director of China’s National Energy Administration.

Xi listened to the latest research on solving the energy issues faced by mankind in front of CNNC’s exhibition of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), commonly known as “artificial sun”.

China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and CNNC have persevered with independent and indigenous innovation, and passionately pushed forward nuclear energy to boost the world’s energy sector, according to Xi. He also praised the action undertaken by MOST and CNNC to firmly implement the Belt and Road Initiative.

CNNC’s Chairman Wang Shoujun participated in the opening ceremony of the 2017 Astana Expo on June 9 and the inauguration ceremony of China Pavilion. Wang will also attend the opening of the KazAtomProm pavilion and the 20th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of the organization. 

The Astana Expo has a theme of "Future Energy", and nuclear energy is going to play a big role in future energy production. The theme of China Pavilion is "Future Energy and Green Silk Road". The pavilion concentrates on new concepts and achievements that China has made in traditional energy transformation, new energy exploitation, and sustainable and green energy development. 

As the official partner of the expo, CNNC is showcasing its core projects including Qinshan NPP, HPR 1000, and the ITER model at China Pavilion, drawing visitors’ attention through vivid and enticing displays.

As a country along the Belt and Road, Kazakhstan is China’s crucial partner in the energy industry. In recent years, CNNC has built a firm partnership with Kazakh energy businesses in assorted sectors.