Show Notes
China's nuclear construction program remains the world's largest and fastest-expanding power buildout. As of mid-September 2026, the country operates approximately 63 commercial power reactors (~64 GWe total capacity) with another 38 to 40 large-scale units under construction across more than a dozen sites. Under the 15th Five-Year Plan approved in March 2026, Beijing targets 110 GWe of installed capacity by 2030, backed by an estimated $80 billion in nuclear investment for 2026 and a steady approval cadence of roughly ten reactors per year.
Key Weekly Highlights & Fleet Milestones
Zhaoyuan-2 First Concrete: Safety-related concrete was poured for the nuclear island at Zhaoyuan-2 in Shandong on 5 September 2026. The pour involved ~8,800 cubic meters over 60 hours for the 1,117 MWe Hualong One unit, marking the second reactor at CGN's new six-unit site.
State Council Approval of 8 Reactors: On 31 July 2026, Premier Li Qiang chaired the approval of eight new units: Jinqimen 3–4 and Taipingling 5–6 (designated as Hualong One 2.0 demonstration projects), Zhuanghe 1–2 (Hualong One), and Laiyang 1–2 (marking the first standardized batch-built deployment of the CAP1400/Guohe One design).
Commercial Operations Achieved: Both Taipingling-2 (1,116 MWe Hualong One in Guangdong) and Changjiang-3 (Hualong One in Hainan) completed final commissioning and entered commercial operation on 3 August 2026.
Hot Functional Testing Completed: Haiyang-3 (1,161 MWe CAP1000 in Shandong) completed hot testing on 13 August 2026 ahead of grid connection expected in 2026. Russian-supplied Xudabao-3 (VVER-1200 in Liaoning) completed hot testing on 2 June 2026.
Major Civil Engineering Milestones: Xudabao-1 (CAP1000) hoisted its 1,000-tonne, 41-meter outer containment dome in August 2026 in under three years from initial licensing. Bailong-2 (CAP1000 in Guangxi) poured first safety concrete in August 2026.
Technology & Pipeline Diversity
China’s reactor portfolio spans multiple technology generations:
Generation III / III+: Hualong One (HPR1000) and the upgraded Hualong One 2.0, localized AP1000s (CAP1000), CAP1400 (Guohe One) batch deployment at Laiyang, Russian VVER-1200 units at Xudabao, and French EPR units at Taishan.
Generation IV Demonstrations: Operational HTR-PM (210 MWe high-temperature gas-cooled reactor) at Shidaowan and twin CFR-600 sodium-cooled fast-neutron demonstration reactors under construction at Xiapu.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): The ACP100 (Linglong One) 125 MWe multi-purpose PWR demonstration at Changjiang.
Long-Term Capacity Roadmap
2025 (Baseline): ~62 GWe.
2030 (15th Five-Year Plan Target): 110 GWe.
2035 Target: 200 GWe.
2050 Long-Range Target: ~335 GWe.
Disclaimer
This update is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a solicitation to buy or sell securities, or a financial recommendation regarding any energy company or uranium producer
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