China Inaugurates First Fourth-Generation Nuclear Power Plant

China marks a significant step forward in nuclear energy with the commissioning of the first fourth-generation power plant at Shidao Bay, representing a major turning point in the race for the nuclear technologies of the future.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The new Shidao Bay power plant in Shandong province is the first in the world to operate fourth-generation nuclear reactors. These high-temperature reactors, cooled by gas instead of pressurized water, represent a significant technological breakthrough. The official announcement by China News underlines China’s entry into a new era of nuclear energy.

Advantages of Small Modular Reactors (SMR)

Unlike conventional reactors, Shidao Bay’s Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) offer greater versatility. In addition to electricity generation, they can be used for heating, seawater desalination and steam production for industrial applications. These reactors represent a step forward in the diversification of nuclear energy applications.

Technological Autonomy and Decarbonization

This innovation is part of China’s ambition to reduce its dependence on coal and foreign technologies, particularly in a climate of growing tensions with the West. Over 90% of the plant’s equipment is of Chinese design, marking an important step towards the country’s technological autonomy.

Impact on Energy Transition

The Shidao Bay power plant, with a capacity of 200 MW, could play a key role in decarbonization and the global energy transition. SMR reactors are characterized by their compact architecture, low construction costs and modularity, enabling fast, efficient implementation.

Global Reactor Expansion SMR

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), more than 80 SMR projects are currently under development in 18 countries. This global trend towards safer, more flexible nuclear solutions is in line with the decarbonization objectives and energy challenges of the 21st century.

The inauguration of the Shidao Bay power plant in China represents a milestone in the development of nuclear energy. Technological advances and the commitment to clean, efficient energy underline the growing importance of SMR reactors in the global energy landscape.

California-based Radiant will build its first microreactor production facility in Oak Ridge, on a former Manhattan Project site, with production targeted at 50 units per year by 2028.
EDF restarted the Flamanville EPR reactor after repairing non-compliant valves, delaying the target of reaching full power output of 1,620 MW until the end of autumn.
Nano Nuclear and the University of Illinois will begin drilling operations for the KRONOS MMR™ reactor on October 24, marking a key step toward commercialisation of the nuclear project on the Urbana-Champaign campus.
Natura Resources is finalising construction of the MSR-1, an advanced liquid-fuel nuclear reactor, with a planned launch in 2026 on the Abilene Christian University campus.
JPMorganChase commits $10bn in direct investments as part of a $1.5tn plan to boost energy independence and strategic technologies, including next-generation nuclear power.
A roadmap under development aims to establish regulatory and technical foundations for the deployment of small modular reactors, with the goal of strengthening national energy security and attracting private capital.
EDF adjusts its 2025 nuclear production forecast to between 365 and 375 TWh, supported by the performance of its industrial programme START 2025 focused on maintenance efficiency.
The United Nations nuclear agency is urging Ukraine and Russia to establish a local ceasefire to repair damaged power lines at the Zaporizhzhia plant, which remains on alert after losing all external power supply.
Deep Isolation is calling on First Mover States to incorporate radioactive waste management into their joint strategy to ensure the industrial viability of new nuclear reactors.
Canada’s nuclear regulator has approved the launch of a new building that will store used steam generators from Bruce Power's refurbishment programme.
Costain has been selected to upgrade essential utilities at the Sellafield nuclear site under a contract worth up to £1bn over fifteen years.
A 5,000-megawatt nuclear programme will be launched by the South African government with NECSA to support national electricity supply and reduce power cuts.
Canada’s IsoEnergy will acquire Australia’s Toro Energy for AUD75mn ($49mn), creating a diversified uranium production platform with assets across Australia, Canada and the United States.
The upcoming Sizewell C nuclear power plant secures its fuel supply through agreements signed with Urenco and Framatome, marking a key step in strengthening the United Kingdom’s long-term energy stability.
The construction of Uzbekistan’s first small modular reactor (SMR) is underway, with 1.5mn m³ of earth being excavated in Jizzakh, marking a major milestone for the nuclear project led by Rosatom.
A nationwide debate on radioactive waste strategy begins on October 13 for four months. It will accompany the preparation of the next five-year roadmap regulating storage, treatment and funding policies through 2031.
Holtec International has ended its planned interim nuclear storage facility in New Mexico, citing ongoing legal hurdles and political deadlock over spent fuel management.
An international audit led by the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that Spain has fully addressed the recommendations made in 2018 regarding its nuclear waste management programme.
EDF anticipates a 35 MW decrease in output for the Flamanville EPR between 2026 and 2031, citing a degraded performance level with no official technical explanation to date.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd has pushed the Bharat Small Reactors proposal deadline to 31 March 2026, aiming to expand private sector engagement in the captive nuclear energy project.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.