The initial design of the ACP1000, China's domestically developed advanced pressurized water reactor, passed an authoritative industry evaluation on April 19, the developer of the nuclear reactor said.

About 40 experts from relevant departments and industry associations participated in the evaluation. They concluded that the technology and safety index of the ACP1000 are on par with the world's third generation of nuclear reactors and the reactor can be completely designed and built in China.

The China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC), the developer of the ACP1000, said that it has finished a preliminary safety analysis report, and it is working on plans for construction by the end of the year.

The CNNC added that it has the complete intellectual property rights for the ACP1000 reactor, which boasts a designed lifespan of 60 years. The company has already signed export contracts for the reactor.