Core Points - The China General Nuclear Power Group's Suzhou Thermal Engineering Institute has successfully delivered domestically developed enriched boric acid to the Guangdong Lufeng Nuclear Power Unit 5, marking a significant step in achieving a self-controlled supply chain for this critical nuclear material [1] - Enriched boric acid, which is essential for the safe operation of nuclear power plants, has previously been reliant on imports due to complex production processes and stringent quality standards [1] - The successful delivery of enriched boric acid indicates China's capability to ensure stable supply, reliable quality, and reasonable pricing in the enriched boric acid sector, thereby enhancing supply chain security for the country's nuclear power development [1] Industry Summary - The enriched boric acid is produced by increasing the abundance of boron-10 from less than 20% in natural sources to over 96% through isotope separation technology [1] - The Suzhou Thermal Engineering Institute initiated the domestic research and development project for enriched boric acid in 2022, collaborating with various domestic chemical enterprises to innovate processes and facilitate industrial transformation [1] - The research team overcame challenges related to traditional production methods, achieving over a 20% increase in isotope separation efficiency and reducing impurity content by more than 50%, with product quality reaching international advanced levels [1]

Core Insights - The successful delivery of domestically produced enriched boric acid for nuclear use marks a significant breakthrough in China's nuclear supply chain, ensuring self-sufficiency in critical nuclear materials [1][2] Group 1: Product Development - The enriched boric acid, with a boron-10 abundance increased to over 96%, plays a crucial role in nuclear reactors by absorbing neutrons and stabilizing the nuclear chain reaction [1] - The production of enriched boric acid has transitioned from reliance on imports to domestic production, addressing supply chain security concerns as nuclear power construction expands in China [1] Group 2: Technological Advancements - The project led by Suzhou Thermal Engineering Institute since 2022 has successfully overcome traditional production challenges, including high energy consumption and waste generation [2] - Innovative techniques such as new complexing agent separation technology and full material recycling synthesis have improved separation efficiency by over 20% and reduced impurity content by more than 50% [2] - The final product meets international advanced quality standards, with isotope abundance control deviation less than 1% [2] Group 3: Industry Impact - The large-scale delivery of domestically produced enriched boric acid signifies China's capability to ensure stable supply, reliable quality, and reasonable pricing in the enriched boric acid industry [2] - This development strengthens the supply chain security for China's nuclear power sector, particularly in the critical materials domain [2]