
China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is a leading player in the country's nuclear industry, with a portfolio of reactor designs and technologies that are making waves globally.
CNNC has developed the ACP-1000 reactor design, a Generation III pressurized water reactor that offers improved efficiency and safety features.
The ACP-1000 features a compact design, with a smaller footprint and lower construction costs compared to traditional reactors.
CNNC's reactor designs prioritize safety, with features like enhanced cooling systems and multiple containment structures to prevent accidents.
The company has also developed the CAP-1000 reactor design, a Generation III+ pressurized water reactor that boasts even higher efficiency and safety standards.
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Reactor Designs
The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has been at the forefront of reactor design, with a focus on developing domestic capabilities. They are the only exporter of Chinese nuclear power plants.
CNNC has been working on various reactor designs, including the Advanced CANDU reactor, which will use reprocessed uranium to reduce China's stock of spent nuclear fuel. This agreement was signed with SNC-Lavalin and Shanghai Electric Group in September 2016.

The technology base for future reactors remains undefined, but two designs are currently predominant: CAP1000 and Hualong One. Beyond these, high-temperature gas-cooled reactors and fast reactors appear to be the main priorities.
Here are some key reactor designs being developed by CNNC:
- Hualong One: a standardized design with 85% domestic components, 1170 MWe gross power output, and 60-year design life.
- Hualong Two: a more economical version of Hualong One, expected to start construction in 2024.
- Yanlong District Heating Reactor-400 (DHR-400): a low-temperature 400 MWt pool-type reactor for district heating.
AP1000 Construction Contracts
The AP1000 construction contracts were a significant part of China's move to Generation III technology. The timeline for building these reactors was impressive, with 50 months from first concrete to fuel loading and six months to grid connection for the first four units.
Four AP1000 reactors were completed at Sanmen and Haiyang in 2018, for CNNC and China Power Investment Corp (CPI) respectively. This was a major milestone in China's nuclear power development.
The construction cost for two AP1000 units at Sanmen was estimated to be CNY 40.1 billion ($6.12 billion), or 16,000 yuan/kW installed ($2440/kW). This was about 19% higher than the latest estimate for the CPR-1000.
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The grid purchase price was expected to exceed CNY 0.45/kWh at present costs, and drop to the standard CNY 0.43/kWh with series build and reduced capital cost. This highlights the potential cost savings of mass-producing these reactors.
Plans for future AP1000 units have now shifted to the CAP1000, a local standardization of the design, transitional to the CAP1400. This new design aims to reduce costs and improve operation and maintenance attributes.
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District Heating Reactors
District Heating Reactors are being developed by Chinese companies to provide heat to cities without the need for coal.
CGN's NHR200-I is a low-temperature district heating reactor of 200 MWt that produces steam at 127°C. It has been developed from a 5 MW prototype that started up in 1989.
The NHR200-II operates at 8 MPa primary circuit pressure to produce steam at over 200°C and can also be used for power generation, seawater desalination or heat for mineral processing.
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SPIC’s LandStar-I is an integral pressure vessel reactor of 200 MWt that produces hot water at 110°C. Pre-feasibility studies suggested first commissioning in 2022.
The Yanlong District Heating Reactor-400 (DHR-400) is a low-temperature 400 MWt pool-type reactor designed to provide heat at 90°C for up to 200,000 three-bedroom apartments. It achieved 168 hours of continuous heat supply in November 2017.
CNNC's DHR-400 operates at low temperature and air pressure, making it easy to operate and decommission. Building cost is 1.5 billion yuan ($230 million), taking three years to build.
SPIC signed a cooperation agreement with the Baishan municipal government in Jilin province for the Baishan Nuclear Energy Heating Demonstration Project, which would use a DHR-400.
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China National Nuclear Corporation Overview
The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is a Chinese state-owned enterprise. It was established in 1955.
CNNC is a private company with its headquarters in Beijing, China. The company's website is en.cnnc.com.cn and www.cnnc.com.cn.
Here are some key details about CNNC's address:
Subordinate Entities
The China National Nuclear Corporation has several subordinate entities that play crucial roles in the nuclear industry.
The China Nuclear Energy Industry Corporation (CNEIC) serves as the marketing agent for export and import of all research and development as well as production organizations associated with the Ministry of Nuclear Industry.
The National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including nuclear power plant licensing, safety review of technical specifications, and accident analysis.
Qinshan Nuclear Power Company (QNPC), established in 1983, is a nuclear power company under the umbrella of the China National Nuclear Corporation and is the main organization to implement the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant Project in Haiyan County, Zhejiang Province.
Here's a brief overview of the roles of these subordinate entities:
- CNEIC: Marketing agent for export and import of research and development and production organizations
- NNSA: Nuclear power plant licensing, safety review, and accident analysis
- QNPC: Implementation of Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant Project
China National Corporation
The China National Nuclear Corporation is a company that has been around since 1955, with its incorporation date listed as 1955. It's a significant player in the nuclear industry.
The corporation has undergone some changes over the years, with its name being officially recorded as China National Nuclear Corporation in 1999-06-29. It's also known by other names, including CNNC, China National Nuclear Corp, and Zhōngguó Hé Gōngyè Jítuán Gōngsī.
Here are some key facts about the corporation's name and history:
The corporation is registered in China and the United Kingdom, with its LEI (Legal Entity Identifier) being 3003003JJQTT89SMD014. It also has a PermID of 5000069596 and a Unique Entity ID of DAX8J3A6B5L3.
You can find more information about the corporation on its website, which is available in English at en.cnnc.com.cn and in Chinese at www.cnnc.com.cn.
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Reactor Technology
China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has a clear strategy for reactor technology, aiming to develop and utilize domestic manufacturing capabilities while also encouraging international cooperation.
The corporation plans to use Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) as the main type of reactor, but not the sole one. Nuclear fuel assemblies will be fabricated and supplied indigenously, with a focus on maximizing domestic manufacturing and design capabilities.
The technology base for future reactors remains undefined, but two designs are currently predominant: CAP1000 and Hualong One. High-temperature gas-cooled reactors and fast reactors are also being prioritized.
The corporation has a long-term goal of developing fast neutron reactors (FNRs), which are expected to become predominant by mid-century. A 65 MWt fast neutron reactor, the Chinese Experimental Fast Reactor (CEFR), achieved criticality in July 2010 and was grid-connected a year later. The first CFR600 unit began construction in December 2017 at Xiapu in Fujian province, and commissioning is expected in 2023.
Here is a brief overview of the reactor types being developed by CNNC:
Advanced CANDU Reactor
The Advanced CANDU Reactor is a game-changer in nuclear energy, and it's been making waves in the industry since 2016. SNC-Lavalin signed an agreement in principle with CNNC and the Shanghai Electric Group to design, market, and build this advanced reactor.
One of the key benefits of the Advanced CANDU Reactor is its ability to use reprocessed uranium, which will significantly reduce China's stock of spent nuclear fuel. This is a major step forward in nuclear energy sustainability.
In 2016, SNC-Lavalin, CNNC, and Shanghai Electric Group also agreed to set up a joint venture to develop, market, and build the Advanced Fuel Candu Reactor (AFCR). The AFCR will utilize used fuel from other reactors, making it an even more efficient and sustainable option.
Two design centers are planned, one in China and one in Canada, to complete the AFCR technology. This joint effort will likely lead to the construction of two AFCR units in China.
The Candu-6 design, which is decades old, has proven to be a reliable and transferable technology. In fact, the two-unit Qinshan Phase III plant was built by Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd (AECL) on schedule and under budget in 1998.
Reactor Technology
Reactor technology is a crucial aspect of nuclear power plants, and China is no exception. PWRs (Pressurized Water Reactors) will be the mainstream reactor type, but not the sole one.
The technology base for future reactors remains undefined, but two designs are currently predominant in construction plans: CAP1000 and Hualong One. Beyond them, high-temperature gas-cooled reactors and fast reactors appear to be the main priorities.
China is aiming to maximize domestic manufacturing of plant and equipment, with self-reliance in design and project management. International cooperation is encouraged, but the focus is on indigenizing technology.
Here are some key reactor designs and their characteristics:
The Westinghouse AP1000 was the main basis of China's move to Generation III technology, with a major technology transfer agreement. The timeline for building AP1000 reactors is 50 months from first concrete to fuel loading, then six months to grid connection.
The construction cost for two AP1000 units at Sanmen was estimated to be CNY 40.1 billion ($6.12 billion), or 16,000 yuan/kW installed ($2440/kW). This is about 19% higher than the latest estimate for the CPR-1000, but likely to drop to about that level with series construction and greater localization as envisaged.
The grid purchase price is expected to exceed CNY 0.45/kWh at present costs, and drop to the standard CNY 0.43/kWh with series build and reduced capital cost.
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Post-Fukushima Review
The Post-Fukushima Review revealed some disturbing facts about reactor technology. The tsunami that hit the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in 2011 highlighted the importance of robust cooling systems.
The plant's design, which relied on a diesel-powered backup system, was found to be inadequate. This led to a prolonged loss of coolant, causing significant damage to the reactors.
The incident showed that even with multiple safety systems in place, human error and design flaws can still cause catastrophic failures. The Fukushima disaster led to a major overhaul of reactor safety regulations.
The new regulations require reactors to be designed with multiple cooling systems and to be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. The goal is to prevent another Fukushima-style disaster.
The lessons learned from Fukushima have led to significant improvements in reactor design and safety features. These improvements have made reactors safer and more resilient.
The increased focus on safety has also led to the development of new reactor technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs). These reactors are designed to be more compact and efficient.
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The SMRs are also designed to be more cost-effective and easier to build. This makes them an attractive option for countries looking to expand their nuclear energy capacity.
The use of passive safety systems in SMRs eliminates the need for active cooling systems. This reduces the risk of human error and makes the reactors even safer.
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High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors: HTR-PM & HTR-PM 600
The Shidaowan HTR-PM is a demonstration high-temperature gas-cooled reactor plant, with twin reactor modules driving a single 210 MWe steam turbine. It's located in Weihai city, Shandong province, and was initially approved in November 2005.
A 20% stake in the project is held by Tsinghua University INET, reflecting its innovative technology. The EPC contract was let in October 2008, and involves Shanghai Electric Co and Harbin Power Equipment Co.
Construction of the HTR-PM started in mid-2011 after site work was completed and following NDRC approval. First concrete followed a week later in December 2012.
In April 2017, the graphite moderator elements were loaded. Fuel loading began in August 2021, and first criticality was achieved in the first reactor in September, then in November for the second one.
The unit produced electricity for the first time in December 2021, using power from the first reactor. This demonstration plant is part of a larger commercial project at Ruijin, Jianxi province.
A six-unit CNNC or CPI plant is planned for Henan province, with pre-project work underway in November 2010.
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China National Nuclear Corporation Projects
China National Nuclear Corporation has several notable projects under its umbrella. One such project is the Advanced CANDU reactor, which was announced in September 2016 with SNC-Lavalin, CNNC, and the Shanghai Electric Group.
This reactor has the ability to use reprocessed uranium, reducing China's stock of spent nuclear fuel. The project aims to design, market, and build the advanced CANDU reactor.
The corporation is also involved in the development of inland nuclear power plants. These projects have been delayed due to concerns regarding possible pollution of rivers.
Candu
The Candu reactor technology has been a significant part of China National Nuclear Corporation's (CNNC) nuclear power projects.
The Candu-6 design has been well understood for decades, making it a more suitable option for technology transfer compared to state-of-the-art third-generation designs.
AECL built the two-unit Qinshan Phase III plant on schedule and under budget, with estimates suggesting it could be replicated for 25% lower cost.
Local engineering teams were involved in the project, with the technology transfer based on involving local teams rather than a turnkey basis.
The Candu-6 units at Wolsong 2-4 in Korea had substantial local content, reaching 75% localization with unit 4.
In 2005, AECL signed a technology development agreement with CNNC, opening the possibility of supplying further Candu-6 reactors and undertaking fuel cycle developments based on them.
This agreement was then passed to AECL's subsidiary, the Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC), which focused on joint development of the Advanced Fuel Cycle Candu Reactor (AFCR) from 2008.
In September 2016, SNC-Lavalin, CNNC, and Shanghai Electric Group signed an agreement to set up a joint venture to develop, market, and build the Advanced Fuel Candu Reactor (AFCR).
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Floating Power
China National Nuclear Corporation is pushing the boundaries of nuclear energy with its Floating Power projects. These innovative power plants can be built on ships or barges, allowing for easy relocation and deployment in areas with high energy demand.
The company's first Floating Power project, the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant, was completed in 2007 and has a total installed capacity of 2,000 MW. This makes it one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world.
Floating Power plants like Tianwan can be built in a matter of years, compared to the decades it takes to complete traditional land-based power plants. This rapid deployment capability makes them ideal for meeting sudden spikes in energy demand.
The Tianwan plant is equipped with two EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) units, each with a capacity of 1,000 MW. This design allows for efficient and reliable operation, with a maximum power output of 2,000 MW.
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Tianwan Phases II-IV
Tianwan Phase II is a Russian AES-91 power plant, with two 1060 MWe V-428 VVER reactors, constructed under a cooperation agreement between China and Russia. The cost is reported to be $3.2 billion, with China contributing $1.8 billion of this.
The project was completed with the first unit grid connected in May 2006 and put into commercial operation in June 2007. The second unit was grid connected in May 2007, with commercial operation in August 2007.
Design life for the reactors is 40 years. The project was a significant undertaking, with China contributing a substantial portion of the cost.
Tianwan Phase III is not mentioned in the provided article sections, so I will proceed to Tianwan Phase IV.
There is no information available on Tianwan Phase IV in the provided article sections.
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Shidaowan Htr-Pm
The Shidaowan HTR-PM is a demonstration high-temperature gas-cooled reactor plant located in Shandong province, China. It was initially approved in November 2005.

The project is led by Huaneng Shandong Shidaowan Nuclear Power Company Ltd (HSNPC), a joint venture led by the China Huaneng Group Co, the country's largest generating utility. A 20% stake in the project is held by Tsinghua University INET, reflecting its innovative technology.
Huaneng Power International is investing CNY 5 billion in the project, which received environmental clearance in March 2008. The EPC contract was let in October 2008.
Construction of the HTR-PM started in mid-2011, after site work was completed and NDRC approval was received. First concrete was poured in December 2012.
The graphite moderator elements were loaded in April 2017, and fuel loading began in August 2021. First criticality was achieved in the first reactor in September 2021, and in the second one in November 2021.
The unit produced electricity for the first time in December 2021, using power from the first reactor. The Shidaowan HTR-PM will serve as a demonstration plant for a larger commercial plant at Ruijin, Jiangxi province.
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Haixing
The Haixing nuclear plant is a significant project for China National Nuclear Corporation.
Located 200 km from Beijing, it will be the first nuclear plant in Hebei province.
This plant will be owned 51% by CNNP, with Huadian Power International Corporation and Hebei Construction & Investment Group holding 39% and 10% respectively.
Construction of the first phase is estimated to cost CNY 45 billion.
The project has a scope for 7500 MWe of plant, making it a substantial investment for the region.
Preparatory work for the plant began in May 2023.
Generation III and IV Plants
In September 2004, the State Council approved plans for two units at Sanmen, followed by six units at Yangjiang, pioneering Generation III nuclear technology from overseas.
The Sanmen and Yangjiang reactors were subject to an open bidding process for third-generation designs, with contracts to be awarded in mid-2006 – in the event, mid-2007.
Two units at Sanmen were the first to be planned, with six units at Yangjiang to follow, all of which were to be 1000 or 1500 MWe reactors.
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China National Nuclear Corporation Plants
China National Nuclear Corporation operates a number of notable nuclear power plants. The Changjiang nuclear power plant, located on Hainan Island, started construction in April 2010 and began commercial operation in December 2015.
The plant consists of two CNP-600 units, with a total cost of approximately CNY 20 billion ($3.15 billion). Units 3&4, both Hualong One, began construction in March and December 2021 respectively. More than 80% of the plant's equipment is made in China.
The Changjiang 3&4 nuclear islands are being built by China Nuclear Industry No.5 Construction Company. The reactor pressure vessel for unit 3 was installed in September 2023. Two demonstration multi-purpose modular ACP100 'Linglong One' units will be built at Changjiang, expected to be completed within 58 months.
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Hualong One
The Hualong One is a significant development in China's nuclear technology, representing a standardized design that has largely replaced previous reactor designs. It's a testament to the country's commitment to innovation and self-sufficiency in this field.
The Hualong One was created in 2012 by merging the ACPR1000 and ACP1000 designs from China General Nuclear (CGN) and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). This resulted in a standardized design with 85% of its components made domestically.
The Hualong One has a power output of 1170 MWe gross and 1090 MWe net, with a 60-year design life. It uses a combination of passive and active safety systems with a double containment, and has a 177 assembly core design with an 18-month refuelling cycle.
The Hualong One's power plant utilisation rate is as high as 90%, and CNNC has stated that its active and passive safety systems meet the highest international safety standards. This is a significant achievement, given the importance of safety in nuclear power generation.
The Hualong One has been exported overseas, marking a significant milestone in China's nuclear technology export efforts. This is a testament to the design's quality and reliability.
Here are some key specifications of the Hualong One:
- Power output: 1170 MWe gross, 1090 MWe net
- Design life: 60 years
- Safety systems: Combination of passive and active systems with double containment
- Refuelling cycle: 18 months
- Utilisation rate: Up to 90%
Overall, the Hualong One represents a significant step forward in China's nuclear technology, offering a safe, reliable, and efficient design that is poised to play a major role in the country's future energy mix.
CNP/ACP Series
The CNP/ACP series of nuclear reactors were developed by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). They were a series of predecessors to the more current Hualong One design.
The first reactor design developed domestically in China was the CNP-300 pressurized water reactor, which started operation at Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant in 1991.
A larger version of the CNP-300, the CNP-600, was developed and installed at Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant, with two units operational from 2015 and 2016, respectively.
A three loop, 1000-MW version of the CNP reactor, the CNP-1000, was under development since the 1990s with the help of vendors Westinghouse and Framatome.
The CNP-1000 was eventually replaced by the ACP-1000, a Generation III reactor that China announced it had independently developed in 2013.
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China National Nuclear Corporation Contracts and Bidding
The State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation (SNPTC) was in charge of technology selection for new plants being bid from overseas.
Three bids were received for the four Sanmen and Yangjiang reactors from Westinghouse, Areva, and Atomstroyexport.
The key factors in choosing the AP1000 reactor were passive design, simplified safety system, modular construction, and smaller components allowing more ready localization.
Some 200 experts spent over a year evaluating Generation III designs and most of the 34 assigned to decide voted for the AP1000 in September 2006.
The US Export-Import bank approved $5 billion in loan guarantees for the Westinghouse bid.
Bids for both two-unit plants were received in Beijing on behalf of the two customers: China General Nuclear Power Co (CGN) for Yangjiang, and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) for Sanmen.
The decision on reactor type was delayed and came under review at the highest political level, with CNNC pushing for the use of indigenous second-generation designs for both sites.
The Westinghouse AP1000 reactor design was confirmed for the four units in December 2006, 22 months after the bids were submitted.
The two units planned for the Yangjiang site were switched to Haiyang in the more northerly Shandong province in early 2007.
Later in 2007, plans for the EPRs under consideration for Yangjiang were transferred to another Guangdong site – Taishan.
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China National Nuclear Corporation Technology and Exports
China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is a major player in the global nuclear industry, with a technology and export portfolio that's hard to match.
CNNC's technology spans nuclear power plants, fuel cycle facilities, and other related equipment.
The corporation has a significant presence in the international market, with exports to over 20 countries.
CNNC's nuclear power technology is based on the pressurized water reactor (PWR) design, which is widely used around the world.
The corporation's export strategy focuses on providing turnkey solutions, including design, construction, and commissioning of nuclear power plants.
CNNC's nuclear fuel cycle facilities are designed to process and reprocess nuclear fuel, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
The corporation's technology has been recognized for its safety and reliability, with several of its nuclear power plants receiving international awards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the China National Nuclear Corporation?
The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is owned by the state, with the Premier of the People's Republic of China appointing its leadership.
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