Hainan’s First Hualong One Nuclear Unit Connects to Grid
Hainan Province’s first Hualong One nuclear power unit was connected to the grid on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for China’s homegrown third-generation nuclear reactor technology. Unit 3 of the Phase II Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant in Changjiang Li Autonomous County officially generated its first kilowatt-hour of electricity, according to CGTN.
A Milestone for Homegrown Nuclear Technology
Developed by China Huaneng Group, the project represents a major step forward in advancing domestically-led nuclear power design and homegrown equipment manufacturing, as China Daily reported. The unit is equipped with Hualong One (HPR1000), China’s home-grown third-generation pressurized water reactor technology featuring complete independent intellectual property.
The reactor incorporates several landmark safety innovations, including passive safety systems that require no external power or human intervention, and a double containment shell designed to withstand extreme conditions. A passive water tank storing 2,400 tonnes of water can cool the reactor for 72 hours via gravity alone in the event of an anomaly, providing critical time for emergency response.
Project Scale and Environmental Impact
The Phase II project plans to build two 1.2-million-kilowatt nuclear power units, with a total estimated investment of CNY 40 billion (approximately USD 5.9 billion), according to World Nuclear News. Once both units are fully operational, they will generate 18 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
“This will save some 6.3 million tons of standard coal a year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 11.6 million tons, effectively ensuring energy security and helping achieve China’s dual carbon goals,” said He Qingwei, a senior operator of Phase II Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant, as quoted by Bastille Post.
The clean power output will deliver secure, reliable energy support for the Hainan Free Trade Port development while contributing to China’s dual-carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.
Construction Timeline
The project has progressed steadily since receiving State Council approval in September 2020. First concrete for Unit 3’s nuclear island was poured in March 2021, with Unit 4 following in December of that year. Unit 3 obtained its operating license from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment on April 30, 2026, and achieved first criticality on July 10, 2026.
According to CNNC, the achievement of first criticality “marks the official attainment of a self-sustaining and controllable chain fission reaction capability for the Hainan Unit 3 reactor, laying a solid foundation for subsequent grid connection and commissioning.” Both units are scheduled to be fully operational in early 2027.
Hainan’s Energy Transition
The Changjiang plant, which already hosts two operating CNP-600 reactors from Phase I, is central to Hainan’s broader energy strategy. Energy policies published in 2019 designate nuclear power as the primary source of electricity for the island province, which has a population of close to 10 million.
As of the end of March 2026, clean energy made up over 85% of both installed power capacity and electricity generation in Hainan, according to Sanya 2026/HIMC. Nuclear power currently contributes nearly 30% of the island’s electricity generation, and project developers forecast that nuclear power will constitute over 50% of Hainan’s energy mix next year — positioning the region as having the second-largest share of nuclear power globally, after France.
China’s Nuclear Expansion
The Changjiang milestone comes amid rapid expansion of China’s nuclear power sector. China’s nuclear installed capacity reached 125 million kW in April 2026, ranking first globally, with the capability to construct 50 nuclear units simultaneously. The Greater Bay Area’s first Hualong One unit at Taipingling, Guangdong, entered commercial operation in April 2026, and Hualong One units are being deployed across multiple provinces and exported internationally.
What to Watch
Unit 3 will now undergo power ascension and a series of performance tests as planned before entering commercial operation. The completion of both Hualong One units at Changjiang in early 2027 will mark a defining moment for Hainan’s clean energy transition and further cement China’s position as a global leader in nuclear power technology development.