https://j.people.com.cn/n3/2026/0803/c95952-20484720.html
In July 2026, the State Council Executive Meeting approved the construction of a total of eight nuclear power units across four projects:
- Phase II of the Zhejiang Jinqimen Nuclear Power Plant,
- Phase III of the Guangdong Taipingling Nuclear Power Plant,
- Phase I of the Liaoning Zhuanghe Nuclear Power Plant, and
- Phase I of the Shandong Laiyang Nuclear Power Plant.
According to the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), six of these units—those at the Zhejiang Jinqimen (Phase II), Guangdong Taipingling (Phase III), and Liaoning Zhuanghe (Phase I) plants—will utilize “Hualong One” nuclear power technology. Among them, the Zhejiang Jinqimen Phase II and Guangdong Taipingling Phase III projects have been designated as demonstration projects for “Hualong One” Version 2.0.
“Hualong One” is a flagship Chinese technology—a 1-million-kilowatt (kW) class third-generation pressurized water reactor (PWR) with fully independent intellectual property rights. It was developed by CNNC and the China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) based on over 40 years of experience in China regarding nuclear power R&D, design, manufacturing, construction, and operation.
“Hualong One” Version 2.0 is an advanced “Generation III+” PWR technology developed through independent innovation and comprehensive, coordinated optimization, incorporating feedback from the construction and operation of the original “Hualong One.” It represents a significant achievement, marking the transition of China’s nuclear power technology from merely “running alongside” global peers to “running alongside across the board while leading in select areas.” The “Hualong One” Version 2.0 incorporates Chinese standards, proprietary software, and optimized active-passive safety systems. By introducing advanced technologies such as intelligent control and modular construction, it significantly reduces construction volume while comprehensively enhancing safety, technological sophistication, and economic efficiency, thereby achieving superior overall competitiveness.
To date, ten “Hualong One” units have entered commercial operation—both in China and abroad—with an additional 37 units either approved for construction or currently under construction. It maintains the leading position globally among third-generation nuclear power technologies, with its maturity proven through large-scale, serial construction and operation.
