At that time, the central government decided to select a group of outstanding students studying abroad to transfer to the atomic energy major. Peng willingly agreed, hence marking the beginning of his lifelong work to develop China's nuclear power.

In 1958, China started to independently develop its own nuclear submarines, and Peng was appointed to take charge of the research and design of the nuclear propulsion system.

Although China had no resources, knowledge or international support in developing nuclear power, Peng led the team with intrepidity and decisiveness.

"Time is an asset. When encountering obstacles, sometimes we simply have to test the solutions through practice. If the solution doesn't work out, we should change it as quickly as possible. It's much more efficient than endless arguments," Peng said.

China's first nuclear submarine was launched in 1974, making it the fifth country in the world to have nuclear-powered submarines.

In the 1980s, China decided to build a commercial nuclear power plant. Appointed as the director-in-chief, Peng once again devoted himself to its preparation and construction.

"Maybe because my zodiac animal is the ox, I very much admire the headstrong spirit of the animal. If I decide to do something, I will persevere to the end. It's enough to spend my lifetime loving my country, being loyal to it and dedicating myself to its prosperity," Peng said.

In 2017, he was conferred with the top science and technology achievement award by the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation, but he donated all the prize money as a fund to award young people making significant innovative achievements in the field of nuclear power.

"Peng was a person who never pursued fame or fortune, but when asked to contribute to something, he always rushed to the front," says Ye Xiangdong, a former official from China National Nuclear Corp.

"He once told me that after he returned from the Soviet Union, he decided to devote his entire life to the nuclear power industry. And I can safely say that he kept his promise with his lifetime work."

Contact the writer at chengyuezhu@chinadaily.com.cn