China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) reported that work on site planning and excavation for the second stage of China’s Jinqimen NPP in Zhejiang province of has begun. The construction of two Hualong One (HPR1000) pressurised water reactors as part of the second stage of the project was approved at an executive meeting of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China chaired by Premier Li Qiang in July. These are Hualong One 2.0 Reactor Technology Demonstration Projects.
Hualong One 2.0 combines third-generation technologies and advanced developments, based on the experience of building and operating Hualong One reactors. According to CNNC, there are currently 10 Hualong One power units in commercial operation in China and abroad, with 37 power units approved for construction.
The construction of two 1200 MWe Hualong-1 reactors as the first stage of the Jinqimen NPP was approved by the State Council in December 2023. A groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of work on the two units was held in February 2024. China’s National Nuclear Security Administration issued a licence to build the units in August 2025 and first concrete for unit 1 followed the same month. The first concrete for unit 2 was poured in April.
CNNC subsidiary, CNNC Zhejiang Energy Co Ltd, is responsible for the design, construction and operation of the new plant, which will eventually house six units with Hualong-1 reactors. Another CNNC subsidiary, China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Corporation, is responsible for the construction of the nuclear island, conventional island and key facilities.
Once all six units are completed, the total installed capacity of the Jinqimen plant will be about 7.2 GWe, and the annual generation of electricity transferred to the grid will reach about 55 TWh. The station will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 45m tonnes. “This will provide strong support for energy supply and green low-carbon transformation in Zhejiang province and the Yangtze River Delta region,” CNNC said.
