Zhangzhou Nuclear Plant Unit 1 begins commercial operations in China

China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has launched commercial operations of Unit 1 at the Zhangzhou nuclear power project in Fujian Province, contributing to China’s energy diversification and carbon neutrality goals.

The 1.12GW Unit 1, connected to the grid in November 2024, adheres to advanced technical and safety standards. Managed by China National Nuclear Power, a CNNC subsidiary, the project uses the Hualong One reactor, a domestically developed third-generation pressurised water reactor technology.

Hualong One can generate over 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting the power needs of one million people and reducing coal consumption by 3.12 million tonnes and carbon dioxide emissions by 8.16 million tonnes per year.

Phase I of Zhangzhou includes two Hualong One units. Construction of Unit 1 began in 2019, and Unit 2 is under construction, with dome installation completed in August 2022. Phase II will add two more units, and Phase III proposes another two, bringing the total to six Hualong One reactors.

Globally, 33 Hualong One units are operational or under construction.