On January 16, concrete pouring began for Unit 1's nuclear island at the Xuwei Nuclear Heating and Power Plant in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province. Developed by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), this marks the start of main construction for the world's first large-scale integration of nuclear energy with the petrochemical industry.

This milestone signals China's transition from nuclear power generation toward diversified energy supply, offering a replicable "China Solution" for the low-carbon transformation of energy-intensive industries worldwide and advancing global carbon goals.

The Xuwei project is the world's first to integrate a pressurized water reactor with a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, and the first commercial application of this fourth-generation reactor technology. It is also the first nuclear project globally built under an integrated EPC model for the entire plant. Designed primarily for industrial heat supply with electricity generation as a supplement, the project combines China's independently developed third-generation Hualong One nuclear technology, with fourth-generation high-temperature gas-cooled reactor technology to deliver both high-quality industrial steam and clean power.

Phase I includes two Hualong One units and one high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. Once in operation, it will supply 32.5 million tonnes of industrial steam annually and generate over 11.5 billion kWh of electricity at peak output, cutting standard coal use by 7.26 million tonnes and CO₂ emissions by 19.6 million tonnes each year. It will provide large-scale low-carbon steam to Lianyungang's trillion-yuan petrochemical industrial base and support the green transformation of the Yangtze River Delta.

The green and low-carbon transition of the energy structure is key to achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. CNNC has long been a leading force in clean energy, with its subsidiary China National Nuclear Power Co Ltd holding controlling stakes in 27 operational nuclear units and 18 more under construction or approved. In 2025, its clean energy power generation reached 230.75 billion kWh, providing strong support for China's dual-carbon goals.

Beyond power generation, CNNC is also advancing the diversified use of nuclear energy, including applications in regional heating, industrial steam and cooling, seawater desalination, hydrogen production, and isotope development.