The capacity for nuclear power units both in operation and under construction in China is expected to reach 88 million kilowatts by 2020, which will turn China into a world-leading driving force in nuclear power development.

Currently 36 nuclear power units are in operation and 20 are under construction, which contribute to a total capacity of roughly 57 million kilowatts, Li Guanxing, director of the Chinese Nuclear Society, said in his remarks during the 25th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering (ICONE) inaugurated in Shanghai on Monday.

"These units can serve as strong support for nuclear power sustainable development in China in the years ahead", he said.

While developing, China has always taken safety as its priority, building nuclear power units to the highest standard and putting them under strict supervision, according to experts.

China also will continue to strengthen research on new technologies in the field of nuclear power, such as the fourth generation of nuclear power systems, the comprehensive utilization of nuclear energy, and fuel cycle and fuel post-treatment, said Li Ye, who directs supervision at the National Energy Administration.

Along with the Belt and Road Initiative, China is to boost worldwide nuclear power collaborations, providing advanced nuclear technology and quality services on equipment manufacturing, technical support, financing and more, Li continued.

The annual ICONE, known as the "Olympics" in the field of nuclear engineering, is the premier global conference on nuclear reactor technology on top of industry trends and developments. This is the fourth time China has held the conference.

It is jointly sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers and Chinese Nuclear Society.

Cao Chen contributed to the story.