Taipingling nuclear power project has entered a new construction phase after workers poured the first nuclear safety-related concrete for Unit 4 in Guangdong Province, China. The milestone officially launched full-scale civil works on the reactor building and strengthened China’s wider push for low-carbon energy infrastructure. The $17 billion project will eventually deliver six Hualong One reactors and supply billions of kilowatt-hours of electricity annually to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

China General Nuclear confirmed that construction activities for Unit 4 started on 10 May 2026 at the Taipingling nuclear power plant in Huizhou. Moreover, the project forms part of the second development phase approved by China’s State Council in December 2023. Construction of Unit 3 already started in June 2025, while Units 1 and 2 continue advancing toward full operations.

The Taipingling nuclear power project represents one of China’s largest ongoing nuclear construction programs. In addition, the plant uses the domestically developed Hualong One reactor design, also known as HPR1000. China continues promoting the reactor model as part of its long-term energy security and carbon reduction strategy.

Taipingling nuclear power project strengthens China’s clean energy construction pipeline

The Taipingling nuclear power project already achieved several operational milestones before the latest construction start. Unit 1 entered commercial operation on 19 April 2026 after completing commissioning tests and connecting to the national grid in February. Furthermore, Unit 2 recently completed fuel loading and entered the nuclear commissioning phase ahead of expected commercial operation later this year.

Developers expect the six-unit facility to generate more than 55 billion kilowatt-hours annually once completed. Consequently, the plant could significantly reduce coal consumption across southern China and lower regional carbon emissions. China General Nuclear estimates the project will cut standard coal consumption by approximately 16.65 million tonnes each year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 50.82 million tonnes annually.

The project also highlights China’s accelerated nuclear construction capability. Industry analysts noted that China currently leads the world in active nuclear reactor construction. Several new reactors started construction during 2026, including Taipingling Unit 4.

Taipingling nuclear power project advances Hualong One reactor deployment

The Taipingling nuclear power project uses Hualong One pressurized water reactor technology developed jointly by Chinese nuclear companies. The reactor design has become central to China’s domestic and international nuclear expansion plans because it supports standardized construction and localized manufacturing.

Construction of Unit 1 began in December 2019, while Unit 2 started in October 2020. Since then, developers have shortened construction and commissioning timelines through improved digital management systems and optimized building methods. According to China General Nuclear, teams implemented digital handover systems, spare-parts digitization, and robotic technologies during the delivery of Unit 2.

The Taipingling site sits in Huangbu Town within Huidong County, Huizhou. Once all six reactors become operational, the nuclear station will rank among China’s major clean electricity hubs. Additionally, the project supports rising electricity demand from industrial manufacturing, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and expanding data center operations across the Greater Bay Area.

China continues increasing investment in nuclear infrastructure despite global construction cost pressures. The Taipingling development demonstrates the country’s emphasis on large-scale energy projects that combine industrial growth with emissions reduction targets. As construction progresses on Units 3 and 4, the project remains a flagship example of China’s rapidly expanding nuclear construction sector.

China’s accelerating nuclear construction program also aligns with the country’s broader long-term energy ambitions beyond Earth. In early 2025, China and Russia unveiled plans for the construction of a nuclear power plant on the moon to support the proposed International Lunar Research Station, highlighting Beijing’s growing investment in advanced nuclear technologies and strategic energy infrastructure.

Project Fact Sheet

Project Name: Taipingling Nuclear Power Plant

Location: Huangbu Town, Huidong County, Huizhou, Guangdong Province, China

Project Value: $17 billion

Project Type: Nuclear power plant development

Reactor Technology: Hualong One (HPR1000) pressurized water reactors

Number of Planned Units: Six reactors

Current Construction Milestone: First concrete poured for Unit 4 reactor building

Unit 4 Construction Start: 10 May 2026

Expected Total Power Generation: Over 55 billion kWh annually

Estimated Coal Reduction: 16.65 million tonnes annually

Estimated CO₂ Emissions Reduction: 50.82 million tonnes annually

Total Planned Capacity: Approximately 7.2 GW

Project Approval Authority: State Council of China

Primary Energy Objective: Clean electricity generation and carbon reduction

Project Team

Project Owner: China General Nuclear Power Group

Developer: CGN Huizhou Nuclear Power Co Ltd

Project Operator: CGN Huizhou Nuclear Power

Reactor Technology Provider: China General Nuclear Power Group and China National Nuclear Corporation

Engineering Model: Hualong One (HPR1000) Reactor Platform

Regulatory Oversight: National Nuclear Safety Administration

Environmental Licensing Authority: Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China

Construction Approval Authority: State Council of China

Stock Exchange Disclosure Platform: Hong Kong Stock Exchange

Project Region: Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area