China's Groundbreaking Fourth-Generation Nuclear Reactor Powers Up
China has begun commercial operations at the world's first fourth-generation nuclear reactor, the Shidaowan plant in Shandong province. Developed by Huaneng, Tsinghua University, and China National Nuclear Corporation, this 200 MW high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor (HTGCR) uses a modular design. The reactor aims to improve fuel efficiency, economics, safety, and environmental impact as China seeks to meet its carbon emissions goals. While modular plants have the potential to power remote locations and hard-to-abate industries, critics argue that they are too expensive. China aims to generate 10% of its electricity from nuclear power by 2035 and 18% by 2060.