---
title: "China connects the first unit of the Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant with the Hualong One reactor to the grid"
description: "China has connected the first unit of the Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant with the Hualong One reactor to the grid — its own third-generation technology. The reactor is equipped with a passive emergency cooling system and a double protective shell. After commissioning, it will save 6.3 million tons of fuel annually and reduce CO₂ emissions by 11.6 million tons ⚡🇨🇳"
date: 2026-08-02T15:59:19.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/china-connects-the-first-unit-of-the-changjiang-nuclear-power-plant-with-the-hualong-one-reactor-to-the-grid
tags: [hualong-one, changjiang-npp, china-nuclear, hainan, cctv]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# China connects the first unit of the Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant with the Hualong One reactor to the grid

![Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant in China: first unit with Hualong One reactor connected to the grid](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/02/kitay-podklyuchil-k-seti-perviy-energoblok-aes-chanzhian-s-reaktorom-hualong-one/kitay-podklyuchil-k-seti-perviy-energoblok-aes-chanzhian-s-reaktorom-hualong-one-1.webp)

China has made a significant step in the development of its own nuclear power industry. The third unit of the Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant, located on Hainan Island, has been connected to the national power grid for the first time. This was reported by China Central Television (CCTV).

Connection to the grid means that the unit has begun generating electricity. Specialists will now proceed to the next stage of commissioning: gradually increasing the reactor's power and conducting comprehensive tests of all systems before commercial operation.

### Hualong One Technology: Safety and Autonomy

The new unit is built using the Chinese third-generation "Hualong One" technology, which was fully developed domestically. The reactor is equipped with a modern complex of active and passive safety systems capable of functioning even in the event of serious accidents.

One of the key elements of the project is a passive emergency cooling tank located beneath the reactor building dome. It holds about 2,400 tons of water. In the event of an emergency, the water will automatically flow into the reactor under the force of gravity—without external power, pumps, or personnel intervention. According to developers, this reserve is sufficient to ensure reactor cooling for 72 hours.

Additional protection is provided by a double hermetic containment shell. The inner part is made of reinforced concrete about 1.3 meters thick and reinforced with steel cladding, while the outer shell, up to 1.8 meters thick, is made of high-strength concrete. This design is intended to protect the reactor from external impacts and prevent radioactive substances from escaping the plant.

### Economic and Environmental Impact

The second phase of the Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant includes two units, each with a capacity of 1.2 GW. Upon completion, they will be able to generate about 18 billion kWh of electricity annually.

According to Chinese estimates, this will allow for an annual saving of approximately 6.3 million tons of standard fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 11.6 million tons. The commissioning of new capacities will be an important contribution to the region's energy security and the reduction of its carbon footprint.