S'abonner

The third unit of the Changjiang nuclear plant reaches a key milestone

The third unit of the Changjiang nuclear power plant in Hainan, China, has reached a major milestone with the installation of the outer dome, marking the completion of the main structure.

Share:

The third unit of the Changjiang nuclear power plant, located in Hainan province, China, has reached a significant milestone. On October 18, 2024, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced the successful installation of the reactor’s outer dome. This structure, measuring 53 meters in diameter, 13 meters in height, and weighing approximately 415 tons, was lifted using a 3,200-ton crane. The installation, carried out at a height of 58.8 meters, took nearly two hours.

The Hualong One reactor design includes a double-layer containment building, designed to ensure the seal and integrity of the reactor building, playing a key role in the safety of the installation in the event of radioactive emissions. This milestone marks the end of the construction of Unit 3’s main structure, paving the way for the next steps of equipment installation, cold testing, and grid connection.

Investments and timeline

The Changjiang Phase II project includes Units 3 and 4 of the nuclear power plant, with an estimated investment of 40 billion yuan (6.4 billion USD). Construction of Unit 3 began in March 2021, followed by Unit 4 in December of the same year. Both units are expected to be operational by early 2027, with a construction period estimated at 60 months. CNNC, which holds a 51% stake in the project through its subsidiary China Huaneng, leads these developments.

Project history and perspectives

The Changjiang nuclear power plant is already home to two pressurized water reactors (PWRs) of the CNP-600 type, Units 1 and 2, which have been operational since 2015 and 2016, respectively. In addition, a demonstration modular reactor, the ACP100, also known as Linglong One, is under construction at the site. This 125 MWe multipurpose reactor will be used for various purposes such as electricity production, heating, steam production, and seawater desalination.

The province of Hainan, an island located in southern China, has adopted energy policies aimed at making nuclear energy the primary source of electricity for its nearly 10 million inhabitants. This project is part of the island’s development strategy as a free trade port and contributes to its goal of becoming a “clean energy island.”

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Hungary asserts refusal to abandon Russian oil and gas in face of European Union
GE Vernova raises its forecasts for 2025 after a strong second quarter
Chevron authorised to resume oil extraction in Venezuela after suspension
France: RTE launches public debate over €90 billion grid investment
US tariff exemptions reveal critical reliance on Brazil for energy and metals
Last Energy achieves major milestone for micro nuclear reactors in the United Kingdom
Last Energy reaches a key regulatory step for its PWR-20 microreactor project in Llynfi, advancing towards the objective of securing a site licence by December 2027 from British authorities.
Slovenské elektrárne signs a contract with Urenco for enriched uranium supply
Slovenské elektrárne has signed an agreement with Urenco for the purchase of enriched uranium for the Bohunice and Mochovce nuclear power plants, strengthening the diversification of its supply sources until the mid-2030s.
ENEC seals new strategic nuclear deals with Hyundai E&C and Westinghouse
Emirates Nuclear Energy Company signs two major agreements with Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Westinghouse, strengthening its position in the global civil nuclear market and paving the way for new international industrial opportunities.
First Hydrogen strengthens its partnership with the University of Alberta to accelerate SMRs
First Hydrogen expands its collaboration with the University of Alberta to optimise small modular nuclear reactor design and support green hydrogen development amid the growth of artificial intelligence data centres.
France and Belgium formalise nuclear cooperation after Brussels policy reversal
The French and Belgian energy ministers have signed a declaration of intent to strengthen ties between Paris and Brussels on nuclear energy, as Belgium has abandoned its 2003 nuclear phase-out plan.
Regulatory green light restarts Palisades nuclear power plant in the United States
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has authorised the restart of the Palisades power plant, marking a key milestone for Holtec in reintegrating this reactor into the US energy mix. —
Three drones fly over Genkai nuclear power plant, Japanese authorities alerted
The Genkai nuclear power plant detected the intrusion of three unidentified drones, prompting an immediate investigation by Japanese authorities into this unusual incident with potential national security implications.
KATCO launches production at new uranium site in South Tortkuduk, Kazakhstan
KATCO, a joint venture between Orano and Kazatomprom, has started operations at the South Tortkuduk site, backed by a $190mn investment, targeting a production capacity of 4,000 tonnes per year by 2026.
Iran welcomes IAEA technical delegation without access to nuclear sites
Tehran agrees to host experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency in the coming weeks, excluding any visit to sensitive sites as diplomatic tensions persist with European nations and the United States.
Standard Uranium confirms 29 km of conductive corridors at the Corvo project in Canada
Standard Uranium announces the results of a high-resolution electromagnetic survey at the Corvo project, confirming 29 kilometres of conductive corridors and launching the planning of an inaugural drilling programme for 2026.
NANO Nuclear reaches key milestone with prototype induction pump for reactors
NANO Nuclear Energy assembles and tests its annular induction pump prototype, marking progress for its microreactor programmes and paving the way for potential commercialisation of the technology.
Hungary confirms launch of Paks-2 with Rosatom by autumn
Hungary reaffirms its intent to double the capacity of its Paks nuclear power plant in partnership with Rosatom, with concrete works expected to begin in the autumn.
Arabelle Solutions to equip Darlington SMR with 34-metre turbine
Arabelle Solutions, a subsidiary of EDF, will provide turbine island equipment for the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor project in Canada, marking a milestone for the industrialisation of SMRs in North America.
Framatome secures nuclear fuel contract with ENEC for Barakah plant
Framatome will supply nuclear fuel and technical services to ENEC, strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ energy supply chain for the Barakah nuclear plant.
Stellaria raises €23mn to develop molten salt nuclear reactor by 2035
French start-up Stellaria secures €23mn ($25.2mn) in funding to accelerate the design of its fast neutron nuclear reactor, with first fission expected in 2029 and commercial deployment targeted for 2035.
More than ten-year delay for Bulgaria’s national nuclear waste repository
The Bulgarian National Audit Office report highlights persistent delays and contractual irregularities in the implementation of the national repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste.
Bahrain signs civil nuclear agreement with the United States and announces $17bn in public investments
Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power completes installation of third prototype vessel in Oak Ridge
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
UK and Czech Republic sign agreement to accelerate civil nuclear development
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Nuclear Waste in France: Experts Call for Strengthened Safety Measures
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING