China's first domestically developed nuclear power plant design software, Nestor, was released by China National Nuclear Power Co. Ltd (CNNP) on Dec. 17. Insiders pointed out that the development of this software establishes a "Chinese heart" in China's third generation nuclear power technology, as well as helping Chinese nuclear power make its way to international markets.

Nestor was tailor made for Hualong One, China's domestically developed flagship nuclear reactor, CNNC said.

The software package consists of 68 pieces of software that will facilitate more efficient reactor design, safety analysis, live tests, nuclear refueling and emergency response systems for a plant based on the Hualong One design. Currently, the software has been successfully applied to the research and engineering design of Hualong One and many other exported nuclear power projects. 

"This package covers the design, manufacturing, installation, testing and operation of a nuclear power project based on our Hualong One design. It will pave the way for China to export entire nuclear power projects and technologies," said Luo Qi, head of the China Nuclear Power Institute and one of the software developers under the CNNC.