Taiwan plans to include small modular reactors and nuclear fusion in new energy exploration

Taiwan's administrative agency head Cho Jung-tai stated on August 26 that, in response to the rapid global development of energy technologies, Taiwan maintains an open attitude toward new nuclear energy technologies and has gradually invested in research and evaluation of directions such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and nuclear fusion. Relevant budgets have been included in discussions, and the central government's general budget for the next fiscal year also plans to allocate funds for engaging with and tracking global nuclear fusion technology progress. Cho Jung-tai stated at a new energy forum that day that, for Taiwan, energy types that have not yet entered large-scale commercial application or whose research and development technologies are still immature can all be regarded as targets for new energy exploration. In addition to technologies such as geothermal, small hydropower, and hydrogen energy, new nuclear energy has also been listed as a direction for future sustained observation and research...

2026-08-31

Nova Fusion Completes RMB 1.2 Billion Pre-A Series Financing

Nova Fusion Energy Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. recently announced the completion of its Pre-A series financing totaling RMB 1.2 billion, comprising both the Pre-A round and Pre-A+ round. The company stated that within 16 months since its establishment, it has completed a RMB 500 million angel round, a RMB 700 million angel+ round, and this round of financing, bringing cumulative fundraising to RMB 2.4 billion with a post-investment valuation exceeding RMB 10 billion. In this round, Meituan Longzhu and Hillhouse Ventures continued their participation, while Lenovo Capital and Guozhong Capital joined as new strategic investors. The company stated that the funds from this round will primarily be used for new device construction, key technology iteration, industrial base preparation, and subsequent fusion energy output verification efforts. Nova Fusion focuses on field-reversed configuration (FRC) small...

2026-08-31

CA01 Module of Unit 1 at Guangxi Bailong Nuclear Power Plant Successfully Hoisted into Position in the Nuclear Island

On August 29, the CA01 module of Unit 1 at the Bailong Nuclear Power Plant of SPIC Guangxi Nuclear Power was precisely positioned, marking a new phase of parallel civil construction and installation in the nuclear island. ▲On August 29, the hoisting operation of the CA01 module of Unit 1 at the Guangxi Bailong Nuclear Power Plant of SPIC was proceeding in an orderly manner. The CA01 module is located in the reactor building of the nuclear island and serves as the installation room for main equipment such as the reactor pressure vessel, steam generators, and pressurizer. The module is T-shaped in overall form, with external dimensions of 28 meters in length, 29 meters in width, and 24 meters in height. It consists of 47 sub-modules, with a total lifting weight of approximately 1,167 tons, making it the largest and heaviest structural module in the nuclear island. The hoisting operation commenced at 8:07 a.m. and, after a series of maneuvers including lifting, hovering, slewing, lowering, and adjustment, was successfully positioned at 12:58 p.m., with the entire process being safe, controllable, stable, and orderly.

2026-08-31

Domestically Produced Nuclear-Grade Resins Fully Verified and Ready for Use

On August 28, China General Nuclear Power Group (hereinafter referred to as CGN) announced that five nuclear-grade resin products developed under its leadership have all been put into engineering application, with a cumulative total of 12 batches used at nuclear power plants including Daya Bay, Ningde, Yangjiang, Taishan, and Hongyanhe. Among them, the first product has been operating stably for over three years in the steam generator blowdown system (APG system) of nuclear power plants, with key performance indicators comprehensively outperforming imported counterparts of the same category, and the domestic nuclear-grade resin production line. Nuclear-grade resins are known as the "kidneys" of nuclear power water treatment systems, serving as core materials that ensure stable water chemistry indicators of nuclear power units and prevent equipment corrosion. For a long time, these materials have been highly dependent on imports, posing supply security risks such as long delivery cycles, unstable batch quality, and rising prices year by year.

2026-08-29

World's First 14,000-Ton-Class Ring Crane Rolls Off Production Line, Capable of Supporting Full-Module Lifting for HPR1000 2.0

Recently, XCMG's world's first 14,000-ton-class ring crane officially rolled off the production line. Su Zimeng, President of China Construction Machinery Association; Wang Guohua, Member of the Party Committee and Vice President of Sinopec Engineering (Group) Co., Ltd., as well as Party Secretary and General Manager of its Lifting and Transportation Company; and Yang Dongsheng, Chairman of XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery and Party Secretary, attended the launch ceremony. Xia Dechang, General Manager and Party Secretary of XCMG Crane Machinery Division, announced the successful rollout of the equipment. According to reports, the 14,000-ton-class ring crane was developed to meet the lifting needs of ultra-large and ultra-heavy equipment in major projects such as nuclear power, petrochemical, and marine engineering, with a focus on serving integrated lifting scenarios for large modules. The equipment achieves full-industry-chain...

2026-08-29

Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Units 3 and 4 Trench Civil Engineering Completes Milestone Phase

On August 27, with the final cubic meter of concrete poured into place, the B1 and B6 sections of the GS and GB trench civil engineering works for Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Units 3 and 4, undertaken by CNNC Huachen, along with the No. 4 overflow well, successfully completed their milestone phase. This phase involved multi-disciplinary cross-operations spanning civil works, installation, electrical, and piping, characterized by complex construction conditions and significant coordination challenges. Among these, Section B1, as the project's main critical path, featured narrow working areas, difficult access for large equipment, and intensive vertical and horizontal cross-operations among multiple units. Seven days before commencement, the project department established a dedicated planning team to verify site conditions, material routes, and cross-operation scopes drawing by drawing, identifying key difficulties such as foundation pouring, equipment positioning, and material supply, and conducting multiple rounds of discussions to optimize the construction plan. The construction period coincided with the rainy season, and Section B1, situated in a low-lying area, faced a high risk of rainwater backflow. The project department implemented measures including full-coverage rain shelters over the base slab, water-retaining curbs at passage openings, and round-the-clock pumping in two shifts, securing dry working areas amid accumulated water; simultaneously, discarded waterproof membranes were collected and reused to cover rebar cages and scaffolding, preventing corrosion and slippery conditions. On-site daily meetings were held, management personnel maintained 24-hour duty, and verbal confirmation with signed handovers was practiced, ensuring issues were resolved the same day, with no plan failures, rain-related stoppages, or process disconnections throughout the period. Facing the immense scheduling pressure from multi-process cross-operations, the project department established a dynamic scheduling system. In terms of manpower loading, fixed posts and personnel quotas were implemented, with zonal responsibility and flexible reinforcement; during peak periods, core work crews were consolidated and work areas were precisely delineated. For machinery, a dynamic scheduling ledger was established, with tower cranes, excavators, and lifting equipment staggered and cross-utilized. Material coordination was also optimized through advance stocking, zoned storage, dedicated management, and emergency replenishment. During the campaign, when the transport of main materials was obstructed, the project department organized management staff and labor crews to manually carry rebar, pipes, and auxiliary materials point-to-point to the working areas, effectively safeguarding project progress. Currently, the main structure construction of the GS and GB trenches by the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Project Department has achieved phased results, with the GB trench completing 74 sections cumulatively, an 82% completion rate, and the GS trench exceeding 1,160 meters, accounting for 72% of the total length. The company will further strengthen construction organization, optimize construction logic, and continue to advance the remaining sections of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Project Department, fully ensuring high-quality performance of the contracted projects.

2026-08-29

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 in the nuclear power sector...

2026-08-28

Steel Dome of Unit 1 at Liaoning Xudabao Nuclear Power Plant Hoisted into Place

On August 28, the steel dome of the nuclear island of Unit 1 at Liaoning Xudabao Nuclear Power Plant, invested and controlled by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC)'s China National Nuclear Power, was hoisted into place, marking that the large steel structure module construction of the unit has entered its final stage and laying a solid foundation for achieving the milestone of structural completion of the nuclear island buildings. As the core load-bearing structure of the nuclear island, the steel dome sits atop the steel-plate concrete structure, bearing all loads from the passive containment cooling water storage tank and the structures above. It serves as a critical barrier safeguarding the structural integrity and sealing reliability of the reactor building. The dome is conical in shape, composed of radial main beams, ring beams, steel cladding panels, and a bottom steel platform, with a diameter of approximately 41 meters, a height of 11 meters, and a total hoisting weight of nearly 1,000 tons...

2026-08-28

Leadership Adjustment of Chairman and Party Secretary of China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd.

On August 28, 2026, China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd. held a meeting for management personnel at the middle level and above. A relevant official from the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee announced the Party Central Committee's decision on the adjustment of the Chairman and Party Secretary of China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd.: Comrade Bai Yong was appointed as Chairman and Party Secretary of China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd., and was relieved of his duties as Director, President, and Deputy Party Secretary of COFCO Corporation; Comrade Wen Shugang was relieved of his duties as Chairman and Party Secretary of China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd. The relevant appointments and removals shall be handled in accordance with applicable laws and the company's articles of association...

2026-08-28

Tianwan Nuclear Power Advances AI-Empowered Intelligent Upgrade of Maintenance Operations

In recent years, the maintenance domain of Tianwan Nuclear Power has relied on platforms such as Hezhi·Longling to address pain points in efficiency, quality, and management across the entire maintenance business chain, promoting the integration of artificial intelligence with nuclear power maintenance scenarios. To date, applications including personnel profiling, work order generation, compliance inspection, and auxiliary generation of electric actuator maintenance plans have achieved phased results, while projects such as the intelligent lifting command platform and marine tunnel cleaning robot are also under development. In personnel management, Tianwan Nuclear Power has established a seven-dimensional personnel capability scoring model, setting differentiated evaluation indicators for different maintenance positions to form position-based, data-driven personnel capability profiles. The system can integrate historical data, support multi-period data retention and trend comparison, and display personnel capability distribution through radar charts, bar charts, and trend graphs. After batch data import, the backend automatically completes normalization calculation, multi-dimensional scoring, and ranking, generating materials that include overall overview, position comparison, special analysis of responsibility performance, and improvement suggestions, providing a basis for training resource allocation, position matching, and differentiated management. To address the issues of time-consuming maintenance work order preparation and reliance on manual experience, the relevant team has developed an intelligent work order preparation assistant based on the Longhuitong intelligent agent platform, forming an application solution of "1 intelligent agent, 1 Skill capability, and 7 categories of professional knowledge bases." The system integrates the historical work order library, maintenance procedure library, equipment ledger library, risk and safety measure library, spare parts and tools library, personnel qualification library, and management procedure library. It can dynamically generate work package catalogs based on historical operation data and procedural requirements, automatically fill in work order business content, and output downloadable Excel work package drafts that can interface with the EPM system. In terms of maintenance quality control, Tianwan Nuclear Power has developed an AI intelligent agent for maintenance compliance inspection. Based on large language models and RAG retrieval-augmented generation technology, this agent can batch receive maintenance procedures, preventive maintenance program lists, and maintenance completion reports, automatically parse document content, and conduct semantic comparison. The system can check item by item the coverage of maintenance procedure implementation steps by the program, while also identifying issues in completion reports such as missing items, omissions, data anomalies, missing signatures, and logical contradictions. The structured inspection reports it outputs can be traced back to specific procedure steps or report entries, and provide rectification suggestions. Intelligent assistance is also being introduced into maintenance of key equipment. Given the large number of electric actuators in nuclear power plants, their complex models, and high maintenance requirements, Tianwan Nuclear Power has developed an auxiliary generation system for electric actuator maintenance plans. After engineering personnel input equipment information and fault descriptions, the system can call upon the electric actuator maintenance knowledge base, historical plans, and equipment data to automatically generate a draft maintenance plan, covering cause analysis, maintenance steps, technical key points, spare parts and tool preparation, and safety precautions. Verified by maintenance engineers, the relevant plans have basically met the conditions for on-site application and can save preparation time for emergency repairs. In addition to applications already deployed, Tianwan Nuclear Power is also advancing the construction of an intelligent lifting command platform. Given the high professionalism and numerous control links involved in crane lifting operations at nuclear power plants, the platform is planned to support both web and API interface usage, and to manage processes such as development, training, and online monitoring through AI models. According to the design, the platform can assist in lifting planning after inputting lifting object parameters and site conditions, recommending equipment and lifting point positions, and alerting to risks such as overload and collision. It can also generate lifting plans based on cargo information, provide handling steps, required materials, and contact person information for emergency situations, and be used for training question bank generation, operation record analysis, and rectification report output. Tianwan Nuclear Power stated that it will continue to expand AI application scenarios in the maintenance domain based on actual production needs, promote the digitalization and intelligent upgrade of maintenance operations, and strengthen network security management while advancing intelligent applications, providing support for the safe and stable operation of the units.

2026-08-28

Qinshan Nuclear Power Membrane Deoxygenation Retrofit Project Put into Operation

Recently, the membrane deoxygenation retrofit project at Qinshan Nuclear Power completed commissioning and was put into operation. The project applies membrane deoxygenation technology to the auxiliary feedwater system (ASG) and reactor boron and water makeup system (REA) of Units 1 and 2 at Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant Phase II, optimizing and upgrading the original deoxygenation process. Units 1 and 2 of Qinshan Phase II originally adopted thermal deoxygenation. During long-term operation, this method presented issues such as insufficient redundancy in single-train equipment operation, high temperature and humidity on site, and potential exceedance of auxiliary feedwater tank temperature limits during summer peak temperature periods. To enhance system operational reliability, Qinshan Nuclear Power initiated relevant technical retrofits, introducing membrane separation packaged units to form a parallel standby configuration with the original thermal deoxygenation system, allowing flexible switching...

2026-08-28

Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Unit 4 Completes Hoisting of Four Internal Structure Modules

From August 18 to 27, CNNC 24 completed the hoisting of four concrete modules for the internal structure of Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Unit 4 within 10 consecutive days, covering the evaporator compartments of Loops 3, 2, and 1 as well as the pressurizer compartment, creating conditions for subsequent loop installation and commissioning work. The evaporator and pressurizer are key equipment in the nuclear island loops. The corresponding compartment concrete modules serve both load-bearing fixation and protection functions, representing an important embodiment of the "Hualong One" defense-in-depth safety philosophy at the civil construction stage. The four modules hoisted this time are all irregularly shaped structures, all adopting the "off-site prefabrication + integral modular hoisting" process, with a total hoisting weight of approximately 2,400 tons. Compared with Unit 3, Unit 4 achieved 3...

2026-08-28

Lufeng Nuclear Power Unit 1 Nuclear Island Installation and High-Quality Cold Test Sand Table Exercise Successfully Concluded

From August 18 to August 21, 2026, the China Nuclear Energy Association (hereinafter referred to as the Association) organized relevant experts to successfully carry out the sand table exercise for the nuclear island installation and high-quality cold test of Lufeng Nuclear Power Unit 1. The sand table exercise was led by Hu Guofeng, former Director of Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research and Design Institute Co., Ltd. and Deputy Director of the Science, Technology and Development Expert Committee, with Li Jingxi, former Director of the South China Nuclear and Radiation Safety Supervision Station of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Li Qibin, former Chairman of China Nuclear Industry 23 Construction Co., Ltd., Zeng Hao, former Chairman of CNNC Maintenance Co., Ltd., and Wang Mingliang, former Deputy General Manager of China Nuclear Industry Fifth Construction Co., Ltd., serving as advisors. A total of 24 external experts participated...

2026-08-28

Fangchenggang Nuclear Power Station Unit 2 Completes First Ten-Year Overhaul

On the morning of August 25, Unit 2 of CGNPC Fangchenggang Nuclear Power Station successfully synchronized to the grid on its first attempt following the 7th overhaul, marking the completion of the F207 overhaul undertaken by CGNPC Service Maintenance Company. This overhaul was the first ten-year overhaul since Unit 2 was put into commercial operation. The maintenance process achieved the goal of "no indicator events in safety, quality, and schedule," and made breakthroughs in charging pump maintenance and nuclear-grade socket welding operations. During this overhaul, the nuclear-grade socket welding project was implemented on-site for the first time. To ensure work quality, the maintenance team completed preparatory work in advance, including welding procedure qualification certification, skill qualification process card review and submission, test piece welding, and non-destructive testing, all of which passed acceptance.

2026-08-28

Safety-level DCS Response Time Testing for Unit 3 of Xudabao Nuclear Power Plant Successfully Completed

Recently, with the final test data confirmed to be accurate, the safety-level DCS (Digital Control System) response time testing for Unit 3 of Xudabao Nuclear Power Plant was successfully completed. All test results met the requirements, with no abnormal equipment actions throughout the entire process, providing reliable instrumentation and control assurance for the subsequent fuel loading and stable operation of the unit. The test lasted 14 days and covered 182 test cases, encompassing more than 1,500 functional tests for reactor trip and engineered safety features systems. As a critical step before fuel loading, the safety-level DCS response time test holds significant reference value for verifying the response performance of the unit's safety systems. To ensure the successful completion of the test, the instrumentation and control team adhered to the work philosophy of "comprehensive preparation, strong collaboration, experience feedback, and pragmatic execution," advancing all tasks in an orderly manner.

2026-08-27

Sichuan Huadu Nuclear Energy Wins Control Rod Drive Mechanism Orders for 4 Nuclear Power Units

On August 24, news came from Sichuan Huadu Nuclear Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., located in Dujiangyan, Chengdu, Sichuan, that the company has won the orders for control rod drive mechanisms for 4 units among the first batch of nuclear power units approved for construction during the 15th Five-Year Plan period in China, with a total new contract value of 504 million yuan. The winning projects include Units 3 and 4 of Zhejiang Jinqimen Nuclear Power Plant, as well as Units 1 and 2 of Phase I of Liaoning Zhuanghe Nuclear Power. According to the previous approval arrangement by the State Council Executive Meeting, the new batch of nuclear power projects involves a total of 4 projects and 8 units, including Phase II of Zhejiang Jinqimen Nuclear Power, Phase III of Guangdong Taipingling Nuclear Power, Phase I of Liaoning Zhuanghe Nuclear Power, and Phase I of Shandong Laiyang Nuclear Power, all adopting China's self-developed third-generation nuclear power technology...

2026-08-27

MIIT: Promote Future Industries Including Nuclear Fusion Energy as New Growth Drivers

The State Council Information Office held a press conference on August 26, where the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) briefed on efforts to fully implement the 15th Five-Year Plan and accelerate new industrialization. The MIIT stated that over the next five years, it will focus on optimizing the industrial structure, coordinating the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, nurturing and strengthening emerging industries, and making forward-looking arrangements for future industries, while maintaining and developing a complete industrial system. In terms of future industry layout, the MIIT proposed promoting quantum technology, biomanufacturing, hydrogen energy and nuclear fusion energy, brain-computer interfaces, embodied intelligence, and sixth-generation mobile communications as new economic growth drivers. The inclusion of nuclear fusion energy in future industry directions reflects its important position in new industrialization and the cultivation of strategic emerging industries.

2026-08-27

Training Launch for First Batch of Operators for Units 1 and 2 of Xudabao Nuclear Power Plant on Full-Scope Simulator

Recently, the first batch of operator training on the full-scope simulator for Units 1 and 2 of Xudabao Nuclear Power Plant was officially launched. The training program lasts 6 months, with 48 candidate Reactor Operators (ROs) and 24 candidate Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) participating. Centering on the five fundamental operator skills, the training conducts systematic hands-on exercises on the simulator platform, building a reserve of operations personnel for subsequent project construction and safe unit operation. The simulator for Units 1 and 2 can highly replicate the real working environment of the main control room and covers various operating conditions, making it an important platform for operations personnel to enhance their practical capabilities. The training is structured around five fundamental skills—close monitoring, precise control, conservative decision-making, teamwork, and knowledge mastery—integrating job conduct standards and team...

2026-08-27

Construction of Access Tunnels Commences for Phase III of Taipingling Nuclear Power Project

On August 26, 2026, CGN's Guangdong Taipingling Nuclear Power Plant held a mobilization meeting for the construction of its Phase III project. At the meeting, the "Safety and Quality Responsibility Agreement for the Construction and Operation of CGN Guangdong Taipingling Nuclear Power Plant Phase III Project" was unveiled, aiming to further consolidate safety and quality responsibilities in nuclear power engineering construction, strengthen project quality management, and ensure the safe and orderly progress of project construction. At the mobilization meeting, Zhang Guoqiang, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of CGN Huizhou Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., announced the official commencement of access tunnel construction for the Phase III project. Upon completion of the access tunnel construction, it will help improve the organizational efficiency of project construction in areas such as material transportation and module hoisting, and create conditions for the subsequent pouring of the first batch of nuclear island concrete.

2026-08-27

Target Image of "Artificial Sun" China Huanliu-4 Released

The 2026 Fusion Energy Conference and Fusion Energy Week opened in Shanghai on the 25th. The target image of the "Artificial Sun" China Huanliu-4 was released at the opening ceremony. China Huanliu-4 is a fourth-generation magnetic confinement fusion large-scale scientific experimental device and the world's first high-temperature superconducting strong-field steady-state burning experimental platform. It will systematically verify the reliability of high-temperature superconducting strong-field magnets in complex fusion environments, demonstrate full-domain intelligent control of fusion reactors, and achieve long-duration steady-state operation of the device. Fusion energy is an important direction for the future development of human energy, and major countries around the world are competing to position themselves in the new track of fusion energy. Zhang Guangjun, Vice Minister of Science and Technology, pointed out on the same day that the 15th Five-Year Plan will incorporate controlled nuclear fusion as a future energy technology into key directions for energy innovation development, and list controlled nuclear fusion as a major national frontier science and technology project.

2026-08-26

Bitumen Solidification Facility at Unit 2 of Japan's Ikata Nuclear Power Plant Returns to Normal

Shikoku Electric Power Co. reported on August 25, 2026, that the bitumen solidification facility at Unit 2 of Japan's Ikata Nuclear Power Plant, currently in a decommissioned state, had returned to normal operation at 10:45 a.m. that day. The gasket at the joint of the mixer top cover, where the earlier abnormality had been detected, had been replaced, and trial operation results showed no abnormalities. The incident occurred on April 28. On that day, when operators started the bitumen solidification facility in the controlled area of the reactor auxiliary building, they observed a steam-like phenomenon near the mixer thermometer, which subsequently disappeared on its own. Maintenance personnel later inspected and confirmed at 3:05 p.m. that the steam-like gas originated from inside the mixer and had escaped through the joint of the mixer top cover; at 5:06 p.m., the bitumen solidification facility was shut down.

2026-08-26