Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has taken a significant step in its global nuclear strategy, securing an order to deliver four circulating water pumps (CWPs) for Units 5 and 6 of the Sanmen nuclear power plant in China. The contract, signed in a ceremony with Dongfang Electric Machinery (DFEM), marks the first collaboration between the two companies, aiming to expand their nuclear power plant business in China.
The Sanmen nuclear power plant, located in Zhejiang Province, is undergoing expansion with the construction of Units 5 and 6. The new units will feature a Hualong One/HPR1000 reactor, a pressurised water reactor (PWR) with a capacity of 1,215MW. MHI’s CWPs will play a crucial role in the PWR’s condensate systems, cooling steam from turbines and converting it back into water. With over 500 CWPs already supplied globally, MHI brings a strong track record to this project.
This collaboration aligns with MHI’s global strategy to build strategic partnerships and deliver its technologies to a broader customer base. “This contract is a testament to our commitment to expanding our nuclear power plant business in China,” said an MHI spokesperson. “We are proud to collaborate with DFEM and contribute to the growth of nuclear power in the region.”
The development comes as China continues to ramp up its nuclear power capacity. In April 2025, China authorised the construction of ten new nuclear reactors, marking the fourth consecutive year it has approved at least this number. With 30 reactors currently under construction, almost half the global total, China is projected to surpass the US as the world’s leading producer of nuclear power by 2030.
This news could shape the nuclear sector in several ways. Firstly, it underscores the growing importance of strategic partnerships in the nuclear industry, particularly in expanding markets like China. Secondly, it highlights the increasing role of advanced technologies, such as the Hualong One reactor, in driving nuclear power growth. Lastly, it reinforces the trend of nuclear power expansion in Asia, with China at the forefront.
As the nuclear industry evolves, collaborations like this one between MHI and DFEM will likely become more common, driving innovation and growth in the sector. The Power Technology Excellence Awards, now open for nominations, will be a platform to celebrate such advancements and the companies driving them.