(Yicai Global) Nov. 16 -- The China-designed nuclear reactor that has been earmarked for use in the prospective new nuclear power plant in Bradwell, UK, has entered the third stage of assessments in the European country.

The third-generation Hualong One UK HPR1000 pressurized water reactor design has passed step two of the generic design assessment, according to a joint statement from the country's Office for Nuclear Regulation and Environment Agency yesterday.

The independent GDA primarily assesses the general safety and environmental impact of new nuclear power station designs before their adoption. The ONR and EA are responsible for the assessment of safety and environmental impacts respectively.

The second stage of assessment found no fundamental flaws in nuclear safety, environment and nuclear security, Mao Qing, chief technology officer of Hualong One developer China General Nuclear Power Group, told Yicai Global. Mao hailed the advancement to the third stage as "marvelous."

The reactor will be used in the Bradwell B nuclear power station project in the UK after the GDA assessment has been completed, according to a deal reached between CGN, project partner EDF and UK government.

The four-staged assessment will take 60 months in total. For the third stage, regulators will draw up three key reports on safety and environmental impacts, and in the 25-month-long fourth stage, technical discussions will be held on whether the design meets the UK's nuclear safety regulatory requirements and possible technical modifications required.

Editor: William Clegg