At a symposium on advanced nuclear energy development held on July 22, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced the completion of the preliminary design for China's first fourth-generation 1-million-kilowatt commercial fast reactor (the CFR1000), with the project now ready for regulatory review. This marks a milestone in the nation's three-step nuclear energy strategy, which refers to the building of thermal reactors, fast reactors and fusion reactors step by step.

Fast reactors generate electricity by harnessing the heat produced from nuclear reactions of fast neutrons. They are widely regarded as a preferred reactor type among fourth-generation advanced nuclear energy systems. Advancing and promoting fast reactor technology is of great significance to China's energy security and the sustainable, green development of its nuclear power sector.

Since the successful grid connection of China's experimental fast reactor in 2011, over a decade of research and development has enabled the country to independently master all core and supporting technologies for large-scale fast reactors. China has also established the world's most comprehensive industrial chain for fast reactor development. The nation's first million-kilowatt commercial fast reactor fully embodies the key attributes of fourth-generation nuclear energy systems — safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness—with an installed capacity of 1.2 million kilowatts.

During the symposium, two new institutions were officially inaugurated: CNNC (Fujian) Advanced Nuclear Energy Research Institute Co., Ltd. and CNNP Xiapu Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. Academician Li Yiyi Expert Workstation. China National Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (CNNP) signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Fujian Investment Group. Meanwhile, Xiapu Nuclear Power inked cooperation agreements with Xiamen University, the Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure, and Tsingtuo Group. In addition, the Fast Reactor Division of the Chinese Nuclear Society was officially approved for establishment.