China Launches Fresh Nuclear Project, Sparks Global Tension

Beijing: Construction has begun on a new nuclear power plant in eastern China. This is the first nuclear project to be launched under China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). Construction of the Xuwei Nuclear Power Plant, located in Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, commenced on Friday.

This is the world's first project to combine a Hualong One pressurized water reactor and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. The plant will not only generate electricity but also provide high-quality steam.

When did the construction start?

The main construction work began on Friday with the pouring of concrete for the first major component of Unit 1. The project will be built in two phases. The first phase, which has now begun, will include two Hualong One units and one high-temperature gas-cooled reactor unit. The two Hualong One units utilize China's entirely domestically developed third-generation nuclear technology, while the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor employs fourth-generation nuclear technology.

What will be the effects of this project?

This project will reduce annual coal consumption by 7.26 million tons and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 19.6 million tons. It will not only promote low-carbon development for the Lianyungang petrochemical base but also expand the use of nuclear energy in China beyond just electricity generation to a wider range of applications.

When is the First phase expected to be operational?

The first phase of the project is expected to be operational in 2032. Hualong One is China's third-generation nuclear reactor technology, developed by China General Nuclear Power Group and China National Nuclear Corporation. It has received European Utility Requirements certification and has also passed the UK's Generic Design Assessment process.