Paving the way for China’s clean energy push, the Unit 2 of CNNC's Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Project has officially kicked off commercial operation.

 

This milestone marks the full completion and commissioning of the project's first phase, advancing China's energy mix and supporting its carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.

 

The project uses Hualong One, China’s independently developed third-generation pressurized water reactor technology with full intellectual property rights. 

 

“As a flagship of China's nuclear innovation, Hualong One represents the country's transition from a major nuclear power producer to a global nuclear technology leader,” CNNC officials said. 

 

Each unit can generate over 10 billion kWh of electricity annually, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 8.16 million tons—equivalent to saving more than 3 million tons of standard coal per year. Hualong One is currently the world’s most widely deployed third-generation nuclear technology, both in operation and under construction.

 

Zhangzhou is set to become the world’s largest Hualong One nuclear base, with six units planned. Units 1 and 2 are now online, with Unit 1 already producing 10.2 billion kWh. Units 3 and 4 are under construction, while preparatory work for Units 5 and 6 is underway. 

 

Once fully operational, the plant is expected to generate around 60 billion kWh of clean electricity annually, reinforcing the “north-to-south power transmission” network in Fujian province.