With this milestone achieved, the next steps for Unit 3 include lubricating oil flushing and secondary circuit joint flushing to ensure the system’s operational reliability. These efforts are part of the ongoing development of the Haiyang Nuclear Power Plant, a key contributor to clean energy production in Shandong Province.
On April 20, 2022, China’s State Council approved the construction of six CAP1000 reactors, the Chinese adaptation of the Westinghouse AP1000 design, across three sites: Haiyang Units 3 and 4, Sanmen Units 3 and 4, and Lufeng Units 5 and 6. The Haiyang and Sanmen plants already operate two AP1000 units each. Haiyang Unit 1 began commercial operation in October 2018, followed by Unit 2 in January 2019. Together, these units generate approximately 20 TWh of electricity annually, meeting about one-third of household electricity demand in Shandong Province.
Construction of Haiyang Unit 3 started with the pouring of safety-related concrete for the nuclear island in July 2022, followed by the hoisting of the outer steel dome for the containment building in March of the following year. Work on Haiyang Unit 4 commenced in April of the previous year. Both units are on a 56-month construction timeline, with full operations expected by 2027.
Once all four units at Haiyang are operational, they are projected to supply electricity for half of Shandong Province’s residents, significantly enhancing the region’s access to reliable, low-carbon energy.
