Baoshan Iron and Steel Co has delivered the first batch of steam generator tubes to a unit of Dongfang Electric Corp, China's leading power equipment maker, which elevated China to be the world's fourth nation capable of producing this key product used in nuclear power plants.

The 690U tubes were delivered on Sunday at a Baosteel plant in Yixing, Jiangsu Province. They will be used in the No.1 reactor of the Fangchenggang nuclear plant in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Baosteel will ship 150 tons of steam generator tubes to Fangchenggang.

"This is of great significance to ensure the long-term stable operations of China's nuclear facilities and for the nation's nuclear safety," Baosteel said in a statement.

China now will stop relying on imports of steam generator tubes. It wants more domestically-made content for its nuclear power equipment as it builds reactors to reduce coal burning and meet rising power demand.