China's Hualong One nuclear reactor program has entered a pivotal phase of batch-scale expansion, with 41 units now operational or under construction nationwide. This third-generation reactor design – the world's most widely deployed single nuclear power technology – is driving the country's transition to low-carbon energy as 2026 begins.
Key projects demonstrate the rapid progress: In Zhejiang Province, the Cangnan plant undergoes final commissioning ahead of grid connection. Fujian Province's Zhangzhou Unit 3 prepares for critical dome installation, while Guangdong, Shandong, and Jiangsu provinces break ground on new facilities. The Changjiang Nuclear Power Base in Hainan, now the world's largest Hualong One complex, recently completed Phase I construction and is expanding capacity to bolster regional energy security.
Landmark achievements continue with Fuqing Unit 5 in Fujian, the first Hualong One reactor globally. Scheduled for its inaugural refueling outage this year after five years of service, the unit has already generated over 43 billion kWh of clean electricity while testing domestically produced components. Industry analysts note this operational experience is accelerating standardization across new projects.
With construction timelines shortening by 20% compared to early prototypes, Hualong One reactors are becoming central to China's energy strategy. The program supports both immediate carbon reduction goals and long-term technological leadership in next-generation nuclear power solutions.
