The steel dome for the nuclear island of Unit 3 of the Haiyang nuclear power plant in Haiyang City, east China's Shandong Province, was successfully lifted into place on Sunday morning.
This represents that construction of the nuclear unit's main building has been basically completed.
The steel dome is the final module of the containment building for Unit 3, with construction now transitioning to the next phase, which involves the installation of the passive safety water tank and other equipment.
The dome measures about 41 meters in diameter and around 11 meters in height with a weight of nearly 1,000 tons.
"The steel dome is the roof of the nuclear unit's containment building, supporting the passive safety water tank above. It provides protection for the nuclear reactor against tsunamis, aircraft collisions, and other threats. It is a critical structure that ensures the integrity and airtightness of the containment building and its internal components," said Zhao Qingshi, a senior engineer with the Shandong Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., the plant's operator.
To ensure the steel dome was positioned accurately, the construction team conducted a full-process rehearsal and thorough checks.
"The Haiyang nuclear power plant uses third-generation passive safety advanced pressurized water reactor technology for all six of its operational, under-construction, and planned power units. In extreme situations, nearly 3,000 tons of water stored in the passive safety water tank will flow down by gravity to cool the containment building of the nuclear island, ensuring safe operation for up to 72 hours without human intervention, in conjunction with other passive safety measures," said Chen Lianfa, a chief engineer with the company.
As the key national projects, Units 3 and 4 of the Haiyang nuclear power plant are expected to enter full operation in 2027.
Once completed, the four nuclear power units at the plant will generate up to 40 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting the power needs of half of Shandong's population.
Steel dome for Unit 3 of China's Haiyang nuclear power plant lifted into place
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
