On April 28, the nuclear island installation work for Unit 5 of CGN's Ningde Nuclear Power Project officially commenced full-scale construction, marking a smooth transition of the unit from the civil construction phase to the critical phase of core equipment installation. This represents another solid step forward in the large-scale deployment of the Hualong One, China's independent third-generation nuclear power technology.

The nuclear island is the core facility of a nuclear power plant, housing critical equipment such as the reactor and the primary circuit systems. The quality of its installation directly affects the long-term safe and stable operation of the plant and is characterized by complex construction techniques, stringent quality control requirements, and a high safety classification. Following the start of nuclear island installation work, activities for Unit 5 — including the introduction of the reactor pressure vessel support ring, assembly of the reactor pressure vessel insulation modules, installation of the equipment hatch, and ramp-up of auxiliary system installation — will proceed as planned.

CGN's Ningde Nuclear Power Project is a key clean energy base along China's southeastern coast. It is planned to consist of 6 million-kilowatt-class nuclear power units, to be implemented in two phases. The project is the first nuclear power project in Fujian Province to begin construction and achieve commercial operation. Construction of the first four units (Phase I) began on February 18, 2008, and was fully completed and put into operation on July 21, 2016. As of the end of March 2026, the cumulative on-grid electricity generated by the four Phase I units exceeded 347 billion kWh, equivalent to replacing over 105 million tonnes of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 320 million tonnes — an ecological and environmental benefit equivalent to afforesting 781,800 hectares of land.

▲ Unit 5 of CGN's Ningde Nuclear Power Project

▲ Phase II of CGN's Ningde Nuclear Power Project

Units 5 and 6 of Phase II received state approval on July 31, 2023. They adopt the Hualong One technology, China's independent third-generation nuclear power technology. Each unit is expected to generate over 9 billion kWh of electricity annually, enough to meet the annual production and living electricity needs of one million people. This project is of great significance for promoting the large-scale deployment of Hualong One technology and enhancing the competitiveness of China's nuclear power industry. It will further optimize the energy mix of Fujian Province and the southeastern coastal region, providing solid support for achieving the national "dual carbon" goals and promoting green, low-carbon, and high-quality economic and social development.