The Zhaoyuan nuclear power project has entered another major construction phase in Shandong, China, with Unit 2 now under construction. The development introduces cooling technology to Hualong One nuclear reactors, including 203-metre towers that shift heat rejection from seawater toward the atmosphere. The $16.9 billion project will eventually support six reactors and strengthen China’s expanding nuclear generation capacity.
The latest milestone came on September 5, 2026, when workers poured first concrete for Unit 2’s nuclear island. The operation formally moved Phase I into full-scale construction.
Unit 2 uses Hualong One technology and has a 1,214MW installed capacity. Workers planned approximately 8,800 cubic metres of concrete for its reactor-building raft foundation.
The pour involved seven locations and required continuous construction for approximately 60 hours. Meanwhile, Unit 1 has progressed through several major civil construction activities since its November 2025 start.
Zhaoyuan Nuclear Power Construction Introduces New Cooling Design
The Zhaoyuan project represents the first Hualong One nuclear power development in China to integrate cooling towers. Each reactor will receive a 203-metre natural-draft cooling tower.
The towers will each provide approximately 16,800 square metres of spray area. Their design transfers residual heat from the conventional island into the atmosphere.
Therefore, the system reduces dependence on direct seawater cooling for the conventional island. It also enables greater water recycling within the cooling process.
The approach could expand nuclear construction opportunities where conventional large-scale seawater cooling presents limitations. It also demonstrates how China continues adapting its reactor infrastructure for different locations.
Interesting Engineering reported that each tower covers roughly 180,000 square feet. The publication also highlighted the towers’ role in naturally cooling the steam cycle.
The design marks an important construction distinction because Hualong One normally relies on established cooling arrangements. Zhaoyuan instead combines the reactor platform with large natural-draft cooling infrastructure.
Zhaoyuan Nuclear Power Project Expands Across Six Units
The project ultimately plans six Hualong One pressurized-water reactors. Phase I covers Units 1 and 2, while later phases will deliver four additional units.
The completed six-unit plant will provide approximately 7.2GW of installed generating capacity. It should generate around 50 billion kWh of electricity annually.
Consequently, the plant could supply annual electricity requirements for more than five million people. CGN also estimates major reductions in coal consumption and carbon emissions.
The project received State Council approval for Units 1 and 2 in August 2024. Unit 1 then reached first concrete on November 18, 2025.
Unit 1 now has several structural works progressing across its nuclear and conventional islands. The reactor building has received multiple steel-liner modules, while cooling-tower construction continues.
The development also supports China’s broader nuclear construction programme. Hualong One has become a major reactor technology in the country’s expanding third-generation nuclear fleet.
Importantly, Zhaoyuan’s construction programme combines nuclear generation with potential wider energy applications. Project plans include nuclear heating and industrial steam applications.
The project also demonstrates increasing use of digital construction and advanced building techniques. Authorities report that 17 advanced construction technologies have entered the project.
China’s expanding Hualong One construction pipeline also includes the $17 billion Taipingling Nuclear Power Project in Guangdong. The development recently began Unit 4 construction, adding another reactor to the six-unit Hualong One programme.
Project Fact Sheet
Project: Shandong Zhaoyuan Nuclear Power Project.
Location: Zhangxing Town, Zhaoyuan City, Yantai, Shandong Province, China.
Developer: Shandong Zhaoyuan Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.
Parent company: China General Nuclear Power Corporation.
Project cost: Approximately US$16.9 billion.
Reactor technology: Hualong One (HPR1000).
Type: Third-generation pressurized water reactor.
Phase I: Units 1 and 2.
Planned total units: Six.
Cooling technology: Secondary-cycle cooling with natural-draft cooling towers.
Total planned capacity: Approximately 7.2GW.
Unit 2 capacity: 1,214MW.
Cooling tower height: 203 metres (666 feet).
Cooling tower spray area: 16,800 square metres per unit.
Expected annual generation: Approximately 50 billion kWh.
Estimated annual coal reduction: Approximately 15.27 million tonnes.
Expected electricity supply: More than five million people.
Estimated annual CO₂ reduction: Approximately 46.2 million tonnes.
Unit 1 construction start: November 18, 2025.
Unit 1 expected operation: Around 2031.
Construction approval: China State Council, August 2024.
Unit 2 construction start: September 5, 2026.
Project Team
Owner and Operator: Shandong Zhaoyuan Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.
Parent Company: China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN).
Reactor Technology: China General Nuclear Power Corporation and China National Nuclear Corporation.
Nuclear Island Civil Works: China Nuclear Industry Huaxing Construction Co., Ltd.
Nuclear Safety Regulation: National Nuclear Safety Administration.
Environmental Approval Authority: Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China.
Project Location Authority: Zhaoyuan Municipal Government.
Project Construction Partners: Participating nuclear engineering, construction, equipment and supply-chain entities.
Local Supply Chain: More than 300 Shandong enterprises have established cooperation with Zhaoyuan Nuclear Power.
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