Over 200 Defects Found in Chinese Nuclear Plants Prompt Safety Review

Chinese authorities reported over 200 cases of defective construction at nuclear plants from 2011 to 2024, leading to increased safety measures. The defects include serious issues with the piping design of the AP1000 reactors, which are used in the Sanmen and Haiyang plants. Delays in operational start dates for these facilities were significant, with Sanmen's operations pushed from 2013 to 2018 and Haiyang from 2014 to 2018. A Japanese nuclear expert warned that unnoticed problems could have led to serious accidents. Other issues included deformations in reactor cooling tanks and leaks in steam generators. The National Nuclear Safety Administration criticized operators for lacking experience and technical ability. Following the Fukushima disaster, China had paused new nuclear construction but resumed it in 2012, now operating 59 nuclear units as of late 2025.

Key Points: • Over 200 construction defects identified in Chinese nuclear plants from 2011 to 2024. • Significant delays in operational start dates for Sanmen and Haiyang nuclear plants. • Criticism from safety authorities highlights serious operational and safety management issues.