China Unicom Yantai Branch and CNNC Shandong Build 5G Dedicated Network for Nuclear Power

Recently, the 5G dedicated network project jointly built by China Unicom Shandong Yantai Branch and CNNC Shandong was officially deployed and put into operation. Targeting the requirements of nuclear power scenarios for communication network security, reliability, and low latency, the project introduces technologies such as 5G dedicated networks, edge computing, artificial intelligence, and big data to promote the implementation of digital capabilities in nuclear power park construction and production support scenarios.

CNNC Shandong, affiliated with China National Nuclear Corporation, undertakes tasks related to nuclear power unit power generation and grid connection. During project construction, China Unicom Shandong Yantai Branch, in collaboration with Huawei, adopted end-to-end domestically produced equipment, achieving independent controllability in both hardware and software, filling the gap in domestic 5G dedicated network construction and related applications in the nuclear power sector.

In terms of network architecture, the project adopts a 4U-specification core network UPF in a 1+1 active-standby deployment mode, with the UPF deployed in the park's equipment room to ensure business data does not leave the park. This solution also enhances network system resilience, providing higher-reliability communication support for critical services such as nuclear power production control.

In video surveillance and inspection scenarios, the project leverages the integration of the 5G dedicated network and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) to achieve 4K ultra-high-definition video backhaul with an ultra-low latency of 50 milliseconds, supporting remote AR inspection and AI analysis, reducing blind spots in manual inspections, and improving inspection efficiency and accuracy.

For intelligent violation recognition, the AI video analysis platform incorporates more than 20 algorithms covering scenarios such as safety helmet wearing, high-altitude operation protection, hot work safety compliance, and attendance data, with a recognition accuracy exceeding 98%, enabling automatic alerts for violations. For equipment speed measurement and management, the 5G dedicated network supports the construction of vehicle speed measurement electronic fences, performing real-time speed measurement and trajectory analysis for construction vehicles and lifting equipment; in the event of speeding or unauthorized entry into restricted areas, the system triggers alerts. To date, this function has issued more than 150 warnings.

After the project's commissioning, the digitalization level of nuclear power park construction processes has been further enhanced, with strengthened automation capabilities in remote monitoring, intelligent inspection, and equipment maintenance, providing digital support for nuclear facility safety assurance, production process optimization, and emergency response capability improvement.