Sanmen Nuclear Power becomes the first “lighthouse factory” in the global nuclear power industry

On October 8, 2023, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) made a significant announcement that is set to impact the nuclear power sector. During the recent World Economic Forum (WEF) event, it was unveiled that the Sanmen Nuclear Power Company, a subsidiary of China Nuclear Power Investment Holdings, has become the world’s first nuclear power plant to earn the distinguished “Lighthouse Factory” title. This remarkable achievement stands out among thousands of competitors globally, signifying a major milestone for CNNC as it is the first entity within the group to receive such recognition.

The WEF noted that 22 innovative manufacturers have recently joined the global Lighthouse Network, bringing the total number to 172. The “Lighthouse Factory” designation is given to industry leaders that are at the forefront of implementing pioneering technologies from the Fourth Industrial Revolution into their manufacturing processes.

Kiva Allgood, head of WEF’s Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chain Center, commented on this milestone, stating, “Lighthouse Factories are pushing past the hype surrounding artificial intelligence and are raising the standards for digital transformation. These factories are integrating advanced technologies into their operations not only to enhance productivity but also to foster a sustainable and inclusive future for their employees and communities.”

Located in Zhejiang Province’s Sanmen County, the Sanmen Nuclear Power project is designed to accommodate six third-generation nuclear reactors, each boasting a capacity of one million kilowatts. The first phase of the project is already operational, while the second phase is making steady progress, and preliminary work on the third phase is actively underway. Once all six reactors are fully online, the total installed capacity will exceed seven million kilowatts, generating approximately 60 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—equivalent to a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 45 million tons each year.