The first nuclear power unit to begin construction in China this year has completed its concrete pouring in Guangdong province on Monday, marking the official start of its construction.

Adopting the CAP1000 third-generation pressurized water reactor design, the Lufeng nuclear power plant's No 1 reactor will incorporate modular construction, digital building technologies and automated welding, among others, to enhance safety and economic efficiency, according to China General Nuclear Power Corp (CGN).

With six reactors planned for the project, 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 reactors are fully operational, the project is expected to generate about 52 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, saving 15.77 million metric tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 42.69 million tons per year, it said.

zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn