Construction starts on Lufeng unit 1

Monday, 24 February 2025

China General Nuclear (CGN) said the first concrete was poured at 11:36 on 24 February. The company said it marks “the official start of the main project of the unit and the full start of the construction of the dual third-generation nuclear power units of the Guangdong Lufeng Nuclear Power Project”.

_{(Image: CGN)}

The proposed construction of four 1250 MWe CAP1000 reactors (units 1-4) at the Lufeng site was approved by China’s National Development and Reform Commission in September 2014. However, the construction of units 1 and 2 did not receive State Council approval until 19 August last year. Approval for units 3 and 4 is still pending. The CAP1000 design is the Chinese version of the Westinghouse AP1000.

In April 2022 the State Council approved construction of two Hualong One units at Lufeng as units 5 and 6. First concrete was poured for unit 5 on 8 September 2022 and that for unit 6 on 26 August 2023.

According to CGN, once all six units are in operation, the Lufeng plant will generate about 52 TWh, which will reduce standard coal consumption by almost 16 million tonnes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 42 million tonnes.