China approves construction of eight more reactors

The Phase II units (3 and 4) of China National Nuclear Corporation's Jinqimen plant in Zhejiang Province and the Phase III units (5 and 6) of China General Nuclear's Taipingling plant in Guangdong Province have been designated as demonstration projects of Hualong One 2.0.

Hualong One 2.0 is described as "an advanced pressurised water reactor (PWR) nuclear power technology combining third-generation and advanced technologies, developed through independent innovation and overall collaboration, based on feedback from the construction and operation experience of Hualong One". CNNC noted that, so far, 10 Hualong One units are commercially operational both domestically and internationally, with another 37 units approved for construction.

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China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) said its subsidiaries, CNNC Datang Zhuanghe Nuclear Power Co Ltd and CNNC (Xiangshan) Nuclear Power Co Ltd, serve as the project owners for the respective approved Jinqimen and Zhuanghe projects and are responsible for project investment, construction, and operational management. "Currently, preparatory work prior to the commencement of construction is proceeding steadily and in an orderly manner at the project sites," it said.

Meanwhile, two larger Guohe One reactors - an enlarged version of the CAP1000 PWR developed from the Westinghouse AP1000 - will be built as the initial phase of State Power Investment Corporation's Laiyang plant, which will eventually house six such units. State Power Investment Corporation is fully responsible for the investment, construction and operation of the Shandong Laiyang Nuclear Power Project. The company said this is "the first standardised and batch-built project approved" for the Guohe One technology.

"The meeting emphasised that nuclear power units must be constructed and operated in accordance with the highest global safety standards, that relevant entities must fulfil their primary responsibilities, and that safety supervision across the entire supply chain and all sectors must be strengthened to ensure absolute safety in nuclear power," the State Council said.