Milestones in China's nuclear industry

On Jan 30, 2021, a significant achievement was realized when the No 5 nuclear power unit — the first reactor using China's homegrown third-generation nuclear reactor technology Hualong One, commenced commercial operations in Fuqing, Fujian province, marking China's success in joining the front ranks in the field of third-generation nuclear power technology and becoming one of few countries to truly master independent third-generation nuclear power technology after the United States, France and Russia.

Currently, nuclear energy stands as a pivotal component of China's diverse energy supply system. Although nuclear power now accounts for less than 2 percent of the total installed capacity nationwide, it generates nearly 5 percent of the country's electricity.

China now has 102 nuclear power units either under operation or construction, with a total installed capacity of 113.13 million kW. This includes 56 nuclear power units under operation with a total installed capacity of 58.08 million kW and 46 of them under construction with a total installed capacity of 55.05 million kW.