Core Viewpoint - China's nuclear power sector is advancing with the commencement of construction for the Zhaoyuan Unit 1, which is the first "Hualong One" nuclear power plant to utilize cooling towers, marking a significant milestone for China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) [1][3][4]. Group 1: Project Development - The Zhaoyuan Unit 1 will begin construction with the first concrete pour scheduled for November 18, 2025, entering the civil construction phase [1][2]. - The Zhaoyuan nuclear project plans to build a total of six "Hualong One" nuclear units, with an estimated total investment of approximately 120 billion yuan, capable of meeting the annual electricity needs of 5 million people once completed [1][3]. Group 2: Financial Performance - For the first three quarters of 2025, CGN reported a revenue of 59.723 billion yuan, a decrease of 4.09% year-on-year, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 8.576 billion yuan, down 14.14% year-on-year [1][7]. - The decline in revenue and net profit is attributed to the overall market conditions in the electricity sector, with increased market transactions and a decrease in market prices [7]. Group 3: Operational Metrics - As of June 30, 2025, CGN managed 28 operational nuclear units and 20 under construction, representing 44.46% of the total operational and under-construction nuclear capacity in China [4]. - CGN's total electricity generation for the first half of 2025 was approximately 113.36 billion kilowatt-hours, accounting for 49.27% of the national total [5]. Group 4: Research and Development - CGN has consistently increased its R&D investment, with expenditures rising from 1.753 billion yuan in 2021 to 2.443 billion yuan in 2024 [8]. - The "Hualong One" technology is based on over 30 years of experience in nuclear power design, construction, and operation in China, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation and safety [8]. Group 5: Safety and Technology - CGN is advancing safety management through a "Five Modernizations" approach, focusing on modularization, mechanization, automation, digitalization, and inherent safety [8]. - The company recently unveiled a new generation of digital control systems for nuclear power plants, integrating technologies such as digital twins and artificial intelligence to enhance operational safety and intelligence [9].