China's Hualong One leads in global nuclear power deployment

China's Hualong One has become the most deployed third-generation nuclear reactor design worldwide, China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) told press in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen on Friday. 

There are 41 units currently in operation or under construction globally. Each unit generates over 10 billion kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually – enough to power 1 million people in a moderately developed country – while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 8.16 million tonnes.

Hualong One has demonstrated an excellent operational performance, with seven units already connected to grids worldwide, CGN said.

The homegrown technology is China's clean energy solution to carbon and greenhouse gas emissions and a key plank in the country's decarbonization strategy. 

Hualong One is a fully independent third-generation nuclear power technology that meets or exceeds international safety standards. The design has obtained European Utility Requirements certification and passed the UK Generic Design Assessment.

Cooperation intentions on Hualong One have been reached between China and more than 20 countries and regions including Pakistan and Argentina, according to China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). 

Pakistan hosts the first overseas demonstration project of Hualong One, with two units – Karachi-2 and Karachi-3 – currently in operation.

So far, the two units have generated over 48 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, and have also reduced the consumption of standard coal by 14.97 million tonnes annually, also cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 39.16 million tonnes, supporting Pakistan's energy transition, low-carbon development and long-term sustainability, said the CNNC.

(With input from Xinhua)