The nuclear power project in the city of Lufeng in south China's Guangdong Province. /CMG

The construction of a new reactor forming part of a nuclear power project in the city of Lufeng in south China's Guangdong Province began on Monday, according to China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN).

Adopting CAP1000, a third-generation pressurized water reactor design, the construction of the No. 1 reactor will incorporate modular construction, digital building technologies and automated welding, among others, to enhance safety and economic efficiency.

The project envisions having a total of six reactors. The construction of the No. 5 and No. 6 reactors began in 2022 and 2023 respectively, utilizing domestically designed third-generation Hualong One nuclear technology.

Once all six reactors are fully operational, the project is expected to generate about 52 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This output would equate to saving 15.77 million tonnes of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 42.69 million tonnes each year, CGN said.