Phase 1 of world's largest nuclear power base goes live in China

The Zhangzhou nuclear power base in Fujian Province, China, has completed Phase 1 of construction with the successful commercial operation of its first two units, marking the transition from construction to operational status. Both reactors utilize China’s domestically developed Hualong One third-generation pressurized water reactor, which passed a critical 168-hour full-power continuous operation test, confirming its stability and safety. The initial two units are expected to generate around 20 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 16 million metric tons each year, equivalent to replacing over 6 million tons of coal. The Hualong One reactor, fully designed and owned by China with international certifications such as the European Utility Requirements and the UK’s Generic Design Assessment, is central to China’s strategy to enhance energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen its nuclear industry competitiveness. Currently the third-generation nuclear technology with the largest number of reactors in operation or construction globally, the Zhangzhou site will ultimately host six