China has achieved a critical milestone in its nuclear energy expansion, completing the inner dome installation for Unit 3 of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant in Fujian Province on February 4, 2026. The project utilizes China's domestically developed third-generation Hualong One reactor technology, marking a pivotal shift from civil construction to equipment installation.
Weighing over 370 tonnes, the steel containment dome was precision-lifted into place using a crane, forming a vital safety barrier to ensure structural integrity and airtightness for the reactor. This advancement accelerates the Hualong One program's nationwide deployment, with China Media Group reporting its entry into a 'batch-scale expansion' phase.
The Zhangzhou facility, ultimately housing six Hualong One units, already has two reactors in commercial operation. Once fully operational, the plant is projected to generate approximately 60 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, reinforcing China's push toward low-carbon energy goals. Analysts highlight the project's potential to reduce coal reliance while meeting rising power demands across industrial hubs.
