China's 7.2 GW nuclear plant to power energy needs of 5 million people

China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) has begun full-scale construction of the Zhaoyuan Nuclear Power Plant in Shandong Province, aiming to generate 50 billion kilowatt-hours annually—enough to power about 5 million households. The plant will feature six Hualong One reactors with a total capacity of 7.2 GW. Environmentally, the facility is expected to reduce coal consumption by 15.27 million tons and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 46.2 million tons each year, equivalent to planting over 110,000 hectares of forest. A notable innovation at Zhaoyuan is the introduction of a 203-meter-high natural draft cooling tower, the first for the Hualong One reactor model, which shifts the cooling source from ocean water to atmospheric air. This secondary-circuit cooling technology reduces energy use and enables water reuse, expanding siting options for nuclear plants. The plant also incorporates a dual-layer "natural + mechanical" cooling safety system, allowing safe