China's nuclear leap at Zhangzhou raises global energy tensions: Report

China completed a key step in its clean energy agenda as the second unit of the Zhangzhou nuclear power plant completed a critical hot functional test, paving the way for fuel loading and eventual connection to the national grid.

Operated by CNNC-Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Company—a joint venture between China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and China Guodian Corporation—the Zhangzhou facility is a cornerstone of China’s long-term energy strategy. Once fully operational, the plant will house six Hualong-1 reactors, each capable of generating over 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—enough to power one million people in moderately developed countries, as reported by Sustainability Times.

The Hualong-1 reactor , a third-generation nuclear technology, is central to China’s efforts to enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions. It was developed domestically by integrating features from earlier ACP1000 and ACPR1000+ models.

“This successful test is a critical step in our commissioning process,” said Mei Bingyun, chief engineer at CNNC Zhangzhou Energy Co., Ltd. “We will now move forward with fuel loading and plan to connect Unit 2 to the grid later this year.”

The Zhangzhou plant is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 8 million tons annually—equivalent to planting more than 70 million trees—and cut standard coal consumption by more than 3 million tons each year.

China currently derives around 5% of its electricity from nuclear power and aims to double this to 10% by 2035, with a long-term target of reaching 18% by 2060.

Internationally, the Hualong-1 reactor has also bolstered China’s presence in the global nuclear energy market, with several units already operational or under construction abroad. The reactor’s success hints at China’s growing influence in the global transition toward low-carbon energy sources—challenging existing geopolitical energy dynamics across globe, reported the sustainability Times.

Nonetheless, the project faces hurdles, including regulatory oversight, public safety concerns, and broader geopolitical factors. Despite these challenges, experts suggest the Zhangzhou plant could become a benchmark for international cooperation and innovation in nuclear energy.