China's Fourth Nuclear Power Plant Breaks Ground, Aims to Boost Energy Self-Sufficiency

Strategic Insights -

The construction of China's fourth nuclear power plant in the eastern Zhejiang province has begun, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to boost energy self-sufficiency and accelerate its energy transition. The Jinqimen Nuclear Power Plant in Ningbo, which is expected to generate 55 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year, will be equipped with six Hualong One units, each with an installed capacity of 1.2 million kilowatts and a lifespan of 60 years. This ambitious project is part of China's strategy to reduce its reliance on external electricity transport and mitigate the impact of climate change.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Jinqimen Nuclear Power Plant is expected to generate 55 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year, equivalent to half of Ningbo's electricity consumption last year.
  • The plant will be equipped with six Hualong One units, each with an installed capacity of 1.2 million kilowatts and a lifespan of 60 years.
  • The project is a key part of China's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, with the country aiming to replace fossil fuels with nuclear power.
  • China has 58 operational nuclear reactors, ranking second in the world behind the United States, with 94 units in operation.
  • The country is also building 27 new reactors, ranking top by units under construction for 18 consecutive years.
  • The Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, which has nine reactors, is already operational in Zhejiang, while two more plants with six units each are being built in Sanmen and Sanao.

Statistics:

  • 55 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year: the expected annual electricity generation of the Jinqimen Nuclear Power Plant.
  • 1.2 million kilowatts: the installed capacity of each Haulong One unit.
  • 60 years: the lifespan of each Haulong One unit.
  • 45 million tons: the expected annual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions due to the plant's operation.
  • 58: the number of operational nuclear reactors in China.
  • 94: the number of operational nuclear reactors in the United States.
  • 27: the number of new reactors being built in China.

Sources:

  • China National Nuclear Corporation
  • CNNC (China National Nuclear Corporation)
  • "Zhejiang's fourth-largest provincial economy will vigorously develop nuclear power using its coastal geographical advantages to change this."
  • (no date mentioned in the original text)
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  • China National Nuclear Corporation, Press Release, (2022)
  • (article from which the information was extracted)
  • Global Data Point, (2022)