Unit 3 of China’s Changjiang NPP in Hainan Province has achieved first criticality. Changjiang 3 is the first large-scale pressurised water reactor (PWR) controlled and constructed by China Huaneng Group and the first Hualong One nuclear power project in Hainan Free Trade Port.
Changjiang 3&4, both with Hualong One reactors, are planned to be fully operational in early 2027. First concrete was poured for the base slab of unit 3’s nuclear island in March 2021, and for unit 4 the following December. Cold hydraulic tests were completed at unit 3 in April followed by hot functional tests.
Changjiang Phase II (units 3&4) involved estimated investment of CNY40bn ($6.4bn), according to China Huaneng, which holds a 51% share in the project. China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) holds the remaining 49%. The construction period is expected to be 60 months. Both units should be fully operational in early 2027.
The site is already home to two operating CNP-600 PWRs – Changjiang 1&2 – which entered commercial operation in 2015 and 2016. In 2021, CNNC also began construction of a demonstration ACP100 small modular reactor (Linglong One) at the site.
