China Advances Nuclear Power with Jinqimen Reactor Construction

Construction of the Jinqimen nuclear power plant's No. 1 reactor commenced on Sunday with the pouring of concrete for the nuclear island. This marks a significant advancement for China's Hualong One nuclear technology, as stated by China National Nuclear Corp. The reactor is designed for a 60-year operational lifespan.

The Jinqimen No. 1 reactor is part of a larger project that will eventually include six 1 million-kilowatt nuclear reactors. Upon full completion, the plant is projected to generate 55 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This output is equivalent to half of Ningbo's total electricity consumption in 2024 and is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 45 million metric tons per year.

Hualong One is China's third-generation nuclear power technology, possessing full proprietary intellectual property rights. It is also one of the most widely accepted series of third-generation nuclear power reactors globally. Currently, there are 41 Hualong One reactors either under construction or in operation worldwide, making it the most numerous third-generation nuclear technology in terms of approved projects.

Industry experts believe the Jinqimen project highlights China's commitment to nuclear power as a key element of its energy mix and decarbonization strategy. The new unit further strengthens China's position as a global leader in nuclear technology deployment. The continued rollout of Hualong One reactors demonstrates the technology's maturity and reliability, crucial for meeting China's growing energy demands and for potential export to other countries seeking clean and secure energy sources.

As of the end of last year, China had 102 nuclear reactors in operation, under construction, or approved for construction, with a combined installed capacity of 113 million kW. Domestic nuclear power construction saw unprecedented investment in 2024, reaching 146.9 billion yuan ($20.5 billion), significantly more than the previous year's investment.

By 2024, China had fully localized the production of essential nuclear power equipment and secured independent control over critical component technologies. Ongoing advancements in the country's independent research and development efforts within the nuclear sector were behind this success.