Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Partners with Dongfang Electric for Nuclear Pumps

On July 2, 2025, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) announced it has secured a significant order to supply four circulating water pumps (CWPs) for Units 5 and 6 of the Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant in China. This contract marks an important collaboration between MHI and Dongfang Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. (DFEM), a prominent manufacturer in China's heavy electrical equipment sector, headquartered in Deyang, Sichuan Province.

The Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant, located in Zhejiang Province, is notable for being one of the major sites for nuclear energy production in China. The facility is currently operational with Units 1 and 2, while Units 3 and 4 are under construction. The newly ordered Units 5 and 6 will utilize the Hualong One/HPR1000 reactor technology, which is a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) with a generating capacity of 1215 MWe.

Circulating water pumps play a critical role in the cooling system of nuclear power plants, specifically in the condensate systems that manage the steam ejected from turbines. These pumps require significant power and capacity to draw large volumes of water from external sources to maintain efficient cooling processes, underscoring their importance in the operation of PWRs.

According to Mr. Hiroshi Takeda, Senior Vice President of MHI, "This order not only symbolizes our commitment to expanding our footprint in the nuclear energy sector but also demonstrates our ability to forge strategic partnerships globally. Our collaboration with DFEM is expected to enhance our market presence in China, particularly in providing advanced energy solutions."

MHI has a longstanding history in the nuclear sector, having supplied over 500 circulating water pumps globally, and aims to leverage this expertise to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The partnership with DFEM is a strategic move, as both companies seek to capitalize on the growing demand for nuclear energy solutions in China, which is increasingly looking towards nuclear power to meet its energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.

Experts in the field note that the collaboration between MHI and DFEM could have significant implications for the future of nuclear energy in China. Dr. Emily Wang, a nuclear engineering professor at Tsinghua University, states, "The partnership is timely and aligns with China's energy strategy, which prioritizes the expansion of nuclear energy as a clean alternative to fossil fuels."

Additionally, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that China is actively increasing its nuclear power generation capacity as part of its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060. This aligns with the global trend of investing in nuclear technology as a sustainable energy solution.

Looking ahead, the successful implementation of this project could pave the way for further collaborations between MHI, DFEM, and other entities in the energy sector. As both companies work towards delivering advanced technologies and services, the focus remains on ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in nuclear energy production.

In conclusion, the order for circulating water pumps at the Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant illustrates a significant step forward in MHI's ongoing commitment to fostering strategic international partnerships within the nuclear energy sector. With the increasing reliance on nuclear energy in China, this collaboration could serve as a benchmark for future projects aimed at enhancing energy efficiency while addressing environmental concerns.