Annual production value during the first phase should reach 20 billion yuan once all its companies have started production. Covering an area of 1.53 million square meters, as well as a marine area of 450,000 square meters, the base will employ 5,000 people, playing an important role in boosting Shanwei's economic development.

According to Bai, the China General Nuclear Power Group has invested in construction of two wharves and three berths — the largest capable of handling ships of up to 9,900 metric tons — to enhance the development potential of the base.

For the most part, construction has been completed, and the wharves are scheduled to go into operation some time this month. Construction of the second and third phases is also advancing steadily, Bai said.

Those phases will focus on developing industrial chains in hydrogen energy production, energy storage, and port logistics and are intended to attract offshore wind power construction, operation and maintenance companies, as well as related industries.

The entire base will cover 10 million square meters once the second and third phases are completed.