China's advanced nuclear energy program has achieved a significant step forward. On April 25, 2026, the inner dome for Unit 1 of the Phase I expansion at the Huaneng Shidao Bay nuclear power plant was successfully installed, marking a crucial construction milestone for the flagship Hualong One project.
The operation, conducted in Shandong Province, saw the hoisting of a massive structure weighing over 220 tonnes and comprising 70 individual steel panels. This dome is not merely a cover; it forms a critical component of the reactor's primary safety system, designed to contain and protect.
The successful installation propels the project closer to completion. Upon entering full operation, the expanded plant is projected to generate approximately 35 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This substantial output is estimated to be sufficient to meet the power demands of around 17 million households, highlighting the project's role in supporting regional energy security and low-carbon development goals.
This milestone underscores the steady progress in China's domestic third-generation nuclear technology, contributing to the broader energy transition and infrastructure development narrative across Asia.
Reference(s):
China's Hualong One project marks key milestone with dome installation
cgtn.com
