China’s Hualong One becomes world’s most deployed third-generation nuclear reactor design
China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) reports that the nation’s Hualong One third-generation nuclear reactor is now the most deployed worldwide. Entirely domestically produced, around forty-one units are currently deployed globally, with each capable of producing 10 billion kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually.
That is roughly enough juice to power about one million people in a moderately developed country, CGN reports.
Also known as the HPR1000 (its export variant), these reactors are renowned for their safety and are a more efficient type of pressurized water reactor (PWR), incorporating lessons from earlier generations (e.g., Fukushima).
Of the forty-one units, seven units are already grid-connected and running. Pakistan was the first overseas customer, with two Hualong Ones at Karachi that are already operating. Argentina is also a partner, and over 20 other countries have signed cooperation agreements.
Hualong One: Powering the world
According to reports, the combined power output of these reactors avoids around 8 million tonnes of CO₂ per year per unit (or about 3 million tonnes of coal equivalent). The Karachi units have collectively generated about 48 billion kWh and avoided around 39 million tonnes of CO₂.
The first unit was deployed over a decade ago, and, according to CGN, took only 5.7 years to complete. This makes it the only third-generation reactor project to be completed on schedule.
It also achieved a perfect score in the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) evaluation. To date, it has demonstrated over 1,000 days of safe and stable operation without major incidents.
Importantly, the Hualong One is certified against European Utility Requirements (the benchmark for European operators). Its design has also passed the UK’s Generic Design Assessment (which is a very tough safety review). It has also won China’s prestigious National Quality Engineering Award.
According to reports, the reactor represents 30 years of accumulated Chinese nuclear know-how. Nearly 6,000 Chinese enterprises supply parts, resulting in an entirely domestic supply chain.
“During the development of the Hualong One, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has established a comprehensive system of 2,044 domestic and international standards, along with a complete intellectual property system comprising over 700 domestic patents, 65 international patents, and 125 software copyrights,” CGN explained in its press release.
Domestic and international impact
“Throughout the construction, CNNC collaborated with 75 domestic universities, research institutes, and equipment manufacturers, as well as 14 international organizations and institutions, to overcome 179 key technical challenges in research and testing,” it added.
The reactor design also aligns with China’s “dual carbon goals” (reaching peak emissions before 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2060). It’s also a “Belt and Road Initiative” export product, which significantly strengthens China’s diplomatic reach.
Looking at the bigger picture, this news is very significant for China as it dramatically improves the nation’s energy security, industrial upgrade, and global influence in nuclear standards.
For partners (such as Pakistan and Argentina): a low-carbon, large-scale power option that reduces dependence on Western suppliers. To the world, it shows that China is not just catching up, but setting benchmarks in nuclear technology.
Source: Interesting Engineering
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China’s Hualong One becomes world’s most deployed third-generation nuclear reactor design