China is set to become a major reactor exporter with its first CPR-1000, which is seen as the nuclear technology of the future.

The State Nuclear Power Technology Corp and China General Nuclear Power Corp. are currently promoting their technology in South Africa, which is expected to offer a 1- trillion rand ($93 billion) contract for the building of six new reactors by 2030.  

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"We have been planning years ahead for cooperation. If we lose this golden opportunity to export our reactors there this time, we will have to wait another 50 to 60 years," said an employee of Beijing-based State Nuclear Power Technology Company.

China and South Africa signed an agreement in February to train young South Africans on nuclear and other specialized energy fields in Chinese universities, which will fund up to 95 percent of the training.

Nuclear energy development is a priority of the Chinese government not only as an alternative energy source but also as a potential industry for export.

Sun Qin, chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation, earlier said they are now back on track with their nuclear power expansion program.

The expansion program was suspended in 2011 following the Fukushima nuclear meltdown in Japan triggered by a major earthquake in March that year.

Smarting from Japan's nuclear disaster, China has been undertaking rigid safety tests on its own nuclear plants.

Now confident that safety mechanisms are in place, Premier Li Keqiang announced last week at the annual Two Sessions that China will move forward with the construction of additional hydro and nuclear power plants.

Seventeen nuclear reactors currently supply two percent of China's electricity requirements.

An additional 31 units are now under construction, including a pair of AP1000 reactors located in Sanmen, Zhejiang Province.

"It is very important for China because, by achieving our own nuclear technology, China could become a strong nuclear power country and establish itself on the international stage," Wang Binghua, president of State Nuclear Power Technology said.