Overview
The Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant is a nuclear power station situated in Lieyu Town, Yunxiao County, within the coastal region of Fujian Province in southeast China. The facility is currently operational, having been commissioned in 2025. It represents a significant addition to the regional energy infrastructure, utilizing uranium as its primary fuel source. The plant is operated by the China National Nuclear Corporation, which manages the station's day-to-day activities and technical oversight.
Ownership of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant is held by CNNC Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Co. Ltd., a joint venture established in November 2011. This corporate entity is structured with a 51% stake held by the China National Nuclear Corporation and a 49% stake held by the China Guodian Corporation. This partnership combines the nuclear expertise of the China National Nuclear Corporation with the power generation capabilities of the China Guodian Corporation, facilitating the development and operation of the facility in the Yunxiao County area.
Technical Design and Evolution
The technical configuration of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant has evolved during its development phase. Initial plans proposed the installation of AP1000 light water reactors, a design originally developed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation. However, the project later shifted to adopt the Hualong One reactor design. The Hualong One is a third-generation pressurized water reactor, reflecting a strategic decision to utilize this specific nuclear technology for the station's units. This change in design influences the plant's operational characteristics and safety systems, aligning with the broader trends in China's nuclear energy sector.
Ownership and Corporate Structure
The Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant is operated by China National Nuclear Corporation, with the specific ownership structure managed through a dedicated joint venture entity. Ltd., a company established in November 2011 to oversee the development and operational management of the facility. This corporate structure reflects a strategic partnership between two major players in China's energy sector, combining the nuclear expertise of China National Nuclear Corporation with the utility scale of China Guodian Corporation.
Shareholding Structure
The ownership of CNNC Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Co. Ltd. is divided between its two parent companies. China National Nuclear Corporation holds a majority stake of 51%, granting it controlling interest in the project's strategic direction and technical execution. China Guodian Corporation holds the remaining 49% share, providing significant equity participation and operational influence. This 51-49 split is a common structure in Chinese nuclear joint ventures, allowing the primary nuclear operator to maintain technical oversight while leveraging the financial and grid-integration strengths of a major state-owned power generation company.
Corporate Establishment and Role
Founded in November 2011, CNNC Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Co. Ltd. was created to manage the Zhangzhou project from its early planning stages through construction and into operation. The establishment of this specific entity allowed for dedicated management of the plant located in Lieyu Town, Yunxiao County, within Zhangzhou in Fujian Province. As the primary owner, this company is responsible for the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and commercial performance of the nuclear power station. The involvement of China National Nuclear Corporation as the majority owner aligns with its broader strategy to expand China's nuclear fleet, particularly with advanced reactor designs such as the Hualong One, which was selected for the Zhangzhou site after initial plans for AP1000 reactors were revised.
Project History and Regulatory Approvals
The development of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant began with the formation of its ownership structure. The facility is owned by CNNC Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Co.
Initially, the project was designed to utilize AP1000 light water reactors. However, during the planning phase, the operator revised the technology selection, ultimately deciding to proceed with the Hualong One reactor design for the plant units. This shift in technology choice influenced the subsequent regulatory and construction timelines for the facility located in Lieyu Town, Yunxiao County, Fujian Province.
Regulatory Timeline
The project advanced through key regulatory milestones in the late 2010s and early 2020s. The first major step in physical development occurred in 2019, when construction licenses were secured for the initial phase of the plant, specifically covering Units 1 and 2. These approvals allowed for the commencement of site works and the initial reactor builds.
Following the initiation of the first phase, the State Council of China granted approval for the expansion of the facility in 2022. This approval covered Phase II of the project, which includes the construction of Units 3 and 4. This sequential approval process reflects the staged development strategy employed by the China National Nuclear Corporation for this coastal nuclear facility.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Establishment of CNNC Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Co. Ltd. (November) |
| 2019 | Construction licenses issued for Units 1 and 2 |
| 2022 | State Council approval for Phase II (Units 3 and 4) |
Construction Progress and Commissioning
Construction of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant progressed through distinct phases, beginning with the initial groundwork for the first two units. The first concrete for Unit 1 was poured in 2019, marking the official start of major civil works for the project (per project construction timelines). This milestone established the foundation for the Hualong One reactor design, which was selected over the originally planned AP1000 light water reactors to optimize the plant’s technical specifications and operational efficiency. The construction schedule for Units 1 and 2 proceeded concurrently, with engineering teams focusing on the reactor containment structures and auxiliary systems required for the light water reactor technology.
Expansion to Units 3 and 4
Following the advancement of the first two units, the plant owner, CNNC Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Co. Ltd., initiated the construction of the third unit in 2024. The start of Unit 3 represented a significant expansion phase for the facility, leveraging the operational experience gained from the initial construction efforts. This phase continued the deployment of the Hualong One design, ensuring consistency in reactor technology across the site. The decision to proceed with Unit 3 in 2024 reflected the owner’s strategy to scale up the plant’s output capacity in the southeast China region, specifically in Lieyu Town, Yunxiao County, Zhangzhou.
Commissioning and Commercial Operation
The Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant reached its operational status in 2025, with the commissioning of its initial units. Units 1 and 2 achieved commercial operation in 2025, bringing the plant online as a key energy infrastructure asset in Fujian Province. The commissioning process involved rigorous testing of the uranium-fueled reactor systems, confirming the plant’s readiness to feed power into the regional grid. The operational launch in 2025 fulfilled the project’s primary goal of establishing a reliable nuclear power source in the area, with China National Nuclear Corporation serving as the primary operator. The successful commissioning of Units 1 and 2 set the stage for the subsequent integration of Units 3 and 4 into the commercial grid, enhancing the overall energy output of the Zhangzhou facility.
What distinguishes the Hualong One design from the AP1000?
The Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant was originally planned to utilize AP1000 light water reactors before shifting to the Hualong One design. This change in technology strategy reflects a broader trend in China's nuclear expansion, moving from licensed Western technology to a domestically developed standard. The AP1000 is an advanced pressurized water reactor design, originally developed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation, which emphasizes passive safety systems. These systems rely on natural forces, such as gravity and convection, to cool the reactor core in the event of a power outage, reducing the need for active mechanical pumps and diesel generators. The design is known for its simplified layout and modular construction approach, which was intended to streamline the building process and reduce costs.
In contrast, the Hualong One is a third-generation pressurized water reactor developed by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN). It incorporates both active and passive safety features, offering a hybrid approach that combines the proven reliability of active systems with the redundancy of passive ones. The Hualong One features a double containment structure and a core catchment device, which is designed to melt the reactor core in the event of a severe accident, preventing the molten fuel from breaching the containment floor. This design was selected for Zhangzhou, indicating a strategic preference for a reactor type that offers enhanced safety margins and greater control over the supply chain and intellectual property for the Chinese nuclear industry. The shift from AP1000 to Hualong One at Zhangzhou underscores CNNC's confidence in its domestic technology and its desire to standardize reactor designs across its fleet to improve operational efficiency and maintenance protocols.
Technological and Strategic Implications
The adoption of the Hualong One at Zhangzhou represents a significant milestone in China's nuclear energy strategy. By choosing a domestically designed reactor, CNNC reduces its dependence on foreign technology and licensing fees, which can be substantial for imported designs like the AP1000. The Hualong One has undergone rigorous testing and has been certified by several international regulatory bodies, including the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation, which validates its safety and performance standards. This certification facilitates the potential export of the Hualong One to other countries, enhancing China's position in the global nuclear market. The plant's ownership structure, with CNNC holding a 51% stake and China Guodian Corporation holding 49%, further integrates the nuclear and utility sectors, allowing for a more cohesive approach to power generation and distribution. The transition to Hualong One at Zhangzhou also aligns with China's broader goal of achieving energy security and reducing carbon emissions by expanding its nuclear power capacity with a reliable, homegrown technology. This strategic shift ensures that the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant will contribute to the national grid with a reactor design that is tailored to China's specific operational and economic needs.
Future Expansion: Units 5 and 6
The Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant, currently under construction in Lieyu Town, Yunxiao County, Fujian Province, is part of a broader development strategy by its owners, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and China Guodian Corporation. Ltd., a joint venture established in November 2011, which holds a 51% stake for CNNC and 49% for China Guodian Corporation. While the initial planning phases considered the AP1000 light water reactor design, the project ultimately adopted the Hualong One design for its initial units, which are scheduled for commissioning in 2025.
Beyond the initial phases, the long-term development plan for the Zhangzhou site includes the construction of additional reactor units, specifically Units 5 and 6. These final two planned reactors represent the next stage of capacity expansion for the facility, aiming to solidify Zhangzhou's role in the energy mix of southeast China. The decision to proceed with Units 5 and 6 follows the successful selection of the Hualong One technology, ensuring technological consistency across the plant's reactor fleet. This standardization is intended to streamline operational procedures, maintenance schedules, and supply chain logistics for the entire complex.
Site Selection and Environmental Context
The location of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant in Lieyu Town, Yunxiao County, was selected for its coastal geography, which provides necessary cooling water access and seismic considerations typical for nuclear sites in Fujian Province. The environmental impact assessments for the initial units have paved the way for the site's continued use. For Units 5 and 6, the existing infrastructure and the established environmental baseline of the Lieyu Town location reduce the need for entirely new site selection processes. However, comprehensive environmental impact assessments remain a critical component of the approval process for these additional units.
These assessments evaluate the cumulative environmental effects of adding two more Hualong One reactors to the existing footprint. Key factors include thermal discharge into the coastal waters, radiation monitoring in the surrounding Yunxiao County area, and the integration of the new units into the local grid infrastructure. The coastal setting in southeast China requires careful monitoring of marine ecosystems and water quality, ensuring that the operational demands of the expanded plant do not exceed the carrying capacity of the local environment.
Regulatory and Planning Status
The status of Units 5 and 6 is currently defined by ongoing planning and regulatory reviews. As the first units approach their 2025 commissioning date, the focus for the subsequent units shifts from preliminary site selection to detailed engineering and environmental clearance. The joint ownership structure, with CNNC holding the majority stake, ensures that the strategic direction of the expansion aligns with the broader national nuclear energy goals. The transition from the initially planned AP1000 design to the Hualong One for the entire project simplifies the regulatory pathway for Units 5 and 6, as the technology has already been vetted and approved for the site.
Future expansion efforts are contingent on the successful operational history of the first four units. The performance data, environmental monitoring results, and grid integration metrics from the initial phase will inform the final approvals for Units 5 and 6. This phased approach allows regulators and operators to validate the environmental impact models and operational assumptions before committing to the full capacity of the Zhangzhou site. The continued development of the plant underscores the commitment of China National Nuclear Corporation and China Guodian Corporation to expand nuclear power generation in Fujian Province, leveraging the established infrastructure in Lieyu Town.
Why it matters
The Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant represents a significant strategic deployment of China’s indigenous nuclear technology in the southeastern coastal region. Located in Lieyu Town, Yunxiao County, the facility marks a key milestone in the regional energy mix of Fujian Province, an area characterized by rapid industrial growth and increasing electricity demand. The plant’s operational status, with commissioning in 2025, underscores its role as a modern contributor to China’s nuclear fleet, operated by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) in partnership with China Guodian Corporation.
Strategic Shift to Hualong One
A defining aspect of the Zhangzhou project is the technological transition from the initially planned AP1000 light water reactors to the Hualong One (HPR-1000) design. This shift reflects a broader national strategy to standardize and scale indigenous reactor technology. The Hualong One design is a Generation III+ pressurized water reactor, developed by CNNC and China General Nuclear Power Group, combining safety features from the AP1000 and CPR-1000 models. By selecting Hualong One for Zhangzhou, CNNC demonstrates confidence in the design’s reliability and economic competitiveness, reinforcing its status as a flagship export product for China’s nuclear industry.
Regional Energy Impact
Fujian Province, situated on China’s southeastern coast, relies on a diverse energy portfolio including coal, hydro, and wind power. The addition of nuclear capacity at Zhangzhou provides a stable baseload power source, reducing the region’s dependence on imported coal and mitigating the variability of renewable sources. The plant’s location in Lieyu Town offers strategic advantages for cooling water intake and discharge, essential for thermal efficiency. As an operational facility since 2025, Zhangzhou contributes to grid stability and supports the electrification of transportation and industrial sectors in the Yangtze River Delta periphery.
Ownership and Operational Framework
This joint venture structure, with CNNC holding a 51% stake and China Guodian Corporation holding 49%, illustrates the collaborative approach to financing and operating large-scale nuclear infrastructure. This partnership leverages CNNC’s technical expertise and Guodian’s grid integration capabilities, ensuring efficient project execution and long-term operational sustainability. The successful commissioning in 2025 validates the strategic alignment between ownership and technological choice, setting a precedent for future nuclear deployments in southeast China.
See also
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- Environmental flow management strategies based on the integration of water quantity and quality, a case study of the Baiyangdian Wetland, China
- Tengger Desert Solar Park: Technical Profile and Operational History