Experts in Hubei province have wrapped up the technical design of its offshore nuclear power station and will soon kick off construction, with the first marine reactor to be delivered in 2020.

Offshore nuclear power stations, usually of two types - floating and underwater - can sail to where they are needed and be used for many different needs, including operating drilling machinery for offshore oil and gas fields and providing power to islands, as well as heating and desalination needs.

The project was approved by the National Development and Reform Commission in 2015.

The 719 Research Institute of China Shipbuilding Industry Corp is the general contractor for the project.