China has commenced construction of the No. 5 power unit at the Ningde Nuclear Power Plant in Fujian Province, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s nuclear energy development. The project officially broke ground on Sunday, as announced by the China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN).
Located in the city of Ningde, the power plant is the first nuclear facility under construction in Fujian Province. The plant is set to house six pressurized water reactors (PWRs), each with a capacity of 1,080 megawatts (MW). The initial phase, comprising units one to four, began construction on February 18, 2008, and became fully operational by July 21, 2016.
The recently approved second phase, which includes units No. 5 and No. 6, received the green light on July 31, 2023. These units will feature China’s domestically developed HPR1000 (Hualong One) reactors, highlighting the country’s advancements in nuclear technology. Upon completion, each unit is expected to generate nearly 10 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, sufficient to meet the energy needs of approximately one million people.
The expansion of the Ningde Nuclear Power Plant underscores China’s commitment to enhancing its clean energy capacity and reducing carbon emissions. The new units are anticipated to play a crucial role in supporting regional economic development and providing a stable power supply to eastern China.
Nuclear energy continues to be a significant component of China’s energy strategy, aiming to diversify energy sources and promote sustainable growth. The advancement of projects like the Ningde plant reflects ongoing efforts to balance energy demands with environmental considerations.
