China’s State Council executive meeting reportedly approved the construction of four nuclear power projects comprising a total of 8 new reactors on July 31. Most of the approved units will apply Hualong One (HPR1000), China’s indigenously developed third-generation nuclear technology, with total investment expected to reach RMB 160–170 billion (roughly KRW 30–32 trillion).
The approved projects are reportedly: Units 3 and 4 of the Jinqimen Nuclear Power Plant in Zhejiang Province; Units 5 and 6 of the Taipingling Nuclear Power Plant in Guangdong Province; Units 1 and 2 of the Zhuanghe Nuclear Power Plant in Liaoning Province; and Units 1 and 2 of the Laiyang Nuclear Power Plant in Shandong Province — four projects totaling 8 units. Regarding project ownership, some media report that Zhuanghe will be developed by CNNC Datang Zhuanghe Nuclear Power (under China National Nuclear Corporation), and Jinqimen by CNNC (Xiangshan) Nuclear Energy, while other outlets present a somewhat different project list, so the precise ownership structure for each project requires further confirmation. Six units — the 2 at Jinqimen and 3 at Taipingling — have reportedly been designated as Hualong One 2.0 pilot projects.