On December 16, 2025, Unit 6 of CGN Fujian Ningde Nuclear Power Plant successfully completed the first concrete pouring of the nuclear island, marking the official entry of the unit, which adopts China's independent third-generation nuclear power technology Hualong 1, into the main construction phase. As the first nuclear power plant to start construction and put into operation in Fujian Province, the planned construction of six million kilowatt units for the Ningde Nuclear Power Project is progressing in an orderly manner. Among them, Unit 5 of the Phase II project has entered the construction peak, and the addition of Unit 6 will further accelerate the completion of this clean energy base.

Multiple advantages highlight the value of nuclear power

The Ningde Nuclear Power Phase II Project fully adopts China's independently developed Hualong One technology, which is the most core technical feature of the project.

As the crystallization of more than 30 years of nuclear power research and development experience in China, Hualong One has created a unique 177 core layout design, which enhances safety while improving power generation capacity compared to the internationally recognized 157 core. The safety system that combines active and passive elements, especially the passive design that relies on natural forces to cool the core in the event of a power outage, and the double-layer safety shell structure, have achieved the highest international safety standards.

During the construction process, the project team faced challenges such as limited site space and complex geological conditions. They fully drew on CGN's previous experience in the construction of the Hualong One and applied 26 advanced construction technologies such as digital sand tables and smart construction sites. Through refined management and technological innovation, they ensured high-quality progress of the project.

After the completion of each Hualong One unit, significant economic and environmental benefits will be generated. The annual power generation of a single unit is nearly 10 billion kWh, which can meet the annual production and living electricity needs of one million people and provide stable and reliable clean electricity for the economic and social development of Fujian Province.

In terms of environmental protection, each unit can equivalent replace over 3.05 million tons of standard coal consumption annually, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 9.24 million tons, and have environmental benefits equivalent to afforestation of 22500 hectares. This is of great significance for optimizing the regional energy structure and helping to achieve the dual carbon goals. Keywords: Energy News, New Energy Information Network

The progress of the Ningde nuclear power project is a microcosm of the development of China's nuclear power industry. With 112 operating and under construction nuclear power units in China, Hualong One, as the third-generation nuclear power technology with the highest number of operating and approved under construction units worldwide, has received orders for 41 units worldwide. Nuclear power, as a stable and reliable clean energy source, is working together with photovoltaics, wind power, and other sources to build a diversified clean energy system. It is expected to account for 10% of China's total power generation by 2030 and play an increasingly critical role in the energy transition.Editor/Cheng Liting