Advances in the CA20 Nuclear Project: Impact and Innovative Technologies

Recent advances in the CA20 nuclear project, combining cutting-edge technology with significant environmental impact.

Share:

Innovation Nucléaire et Impact Environnemental

The CA20 nuclear project, characterized by its cubic module, marks a significant step forward in the field of nuclear energy. This module, housing various items of equipment for spent fuel storage, transmission, heat exchanger and waste collection, symbolizes the continued progress of construction of the first of two CAP1000 units, the initial phase of an ambitious project to accommodate six reactors of this type.

A major project in Lianjiang

Approved by the Chinese State Council in September 2022, construction of the first CAP1000 reactors, China’s version of the Westinghouse AP1000, is underway at the Lianjiang site. These reactors, each with a capacity of 1250MWe, saw the start of excavation work the same month, with the first concrete for the foundations of unit 1 being poured at the end of September. Unit 1 at Lianjiang is scheduled for completion and commissioning in 2028.

Energy and Environmental Impact

Once the six CAP1000 units are completed, annual electricity production should reach around 70.2TWh. This would reduce standard coal consumption by over 20 million tonnes, and carbon dioxide emissions by over 52 million tonnes. Expected reductions in sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions are also significant, amounting to around 171,000 tonnes and 149,000 tonnes respectively.

Technological Innovations

The Lianjiang power plant, managed by State Power Investment Corp (SPIC), represents a milestone in the history of nuclear power in China. It will be the first to adopt secondary circulation seawater cooling technology, and the first to use an exceptionally large cooling tower.

The CA20 nuclear project in Lianjiang is a fusion of technological innovation and environmental commitment. Its completion promises not only a breakthrough in nuclear power generation, but also a significant contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, underlining the importance of such initiatives as part of the global energy transition.

  • Populaires ​
Prax Group files for insolvency in the UK after losses at Lindsey refinery
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
Enbridge Gas Ohio challenges tariff ruling cutting its revenues by $30mn
The Indonesian-Chinese lithium-ion battery plant will open with 6.9 GWh in 2026
TotalEnergies acquires 1.5 GW of AES renewable assets in the Caribbean
United States selects Westinghouse and Radiant to test their nuclear microreactors
The US Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant Nuclear to conduct the first nuclear microreactor tests at the DOME experimental centre located in Idaho, with operational start expected in spring 2026.
GE Vernova and Fortum launch major nuclear project in Scandinavia
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Fortum announce partnership aimed at preparing for the potential deployment of small modular reactors in Finland and Sweden, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s.
Energy Fuels extracts 638,700 pounds of uranium at Pinyon Plain mine
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear sector
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
World Bank resumes nuclear financing after decades of absence
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
Seoul approves definitive decommissioning of South Korea’s first nuclear reactor
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
EnCore Energy raises uranium output and hails Texas nuclear reforms
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
IAEA Confirms Concerns About Iranian Enriched Uranium Stockpile
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
India: NPCIL extends deadline to September 30 for BSR reactor proposals
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
EDF anticipates immediate reduction in nuclear output amid heatwave
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
United States: Unprecedented firing of nuclear regulator sparks intense controversy
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York launches major nuclear project to secure its energy supply
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia and Mali Sign Trade Agreements and Target Nuclear Energy
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
United States releases additional $100 mn to restart Palisades Nuclear Plant
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF secures £4.5 billion from Apollo to finance Hinkley Point C
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
France: Anne-Isabelle Étienvre Proposed by Élysée to Head the CEA
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS