Beijing, April 29, 2026 – A significant milestone in China's clean energy ambitions was achieved this month as major installation work began on the core facility for a new nuclear power unit. The construction of the nuclear island for Unit 5 at the Ningde Nuclear Power Plant in Fujian province marks a crucial phase for the project.
The facility, representing the heart of the plant, incorporates China's independently developed third-generation pressurized water reactor technology, known as "Hualong One." This move highlights the ongoing commitment to expanding domestic, low-carbon energy generation capacity.
The Ningde expansion involves two new reactor units, each powered by the Hualong One design. Once operational, a single unit is expected to generate nearly 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This output is sufficient to meet the residential power needs of approximately one million people, providing a substantial and stable boost to the regional grid.
The development underscores a key trend in Asia's energy landscape, where major economies are increasingly investing in advanced nuclear technology to secure energy supplies while pursuing carbon reduction goals. The progress at Ningde is being closely watched by industry analysts and environmental policymakers alike, as it represents both a technological achievement and a practical step in the region's energy transition.
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China begins installing the nuclear island for Unit 5 at Ningde Nuclear Power Plant
cgtn.com
