China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and China Huaneng Group, have put into operation unit 3 of the Changjiang NPP, the first Hualong One unit in China’s southernmost Hainan province. 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%.
Both units should be fully operational in early 2027. Phase II is expected to generate 18 TWh of electricity annually, reducing standard coal consumption by 6.326m tonnes each year and carbon dioxide emissions by 11.6m tonnes.
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. Nuclear accounted for nearly 19% of Hainan’s total electricity generation last year, according to data from the National Energy Administration.
In December 2025, Hainan became the Chinese mainland’s first free trade port (FTP) and the world’s largest FTP by area. According to a national strategic plan, Hainan will leverage its FTP policies to develop tourism, modern service industries, and high-tech industries, aiming to establish itself as an international tourism and consumption centre and a model ecological zone.
Liu Bin, general manager of Huaneng Hainan Changjiang Nuclear Power Co Ltd, said Changjiang Phase II “will provide a clean, safe, and efficient power supply to anchor the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port while accelerating the nation’s progress toward its dual-carbon targets”.
