China has started building a large nuclear power facility in Changjiang County of Hainan province.

The construction of the power facility was commenced on Sunday with an approximated investment of 19 billion Yuan ($2.78 billion).

The provincial government said that the new facility will contain two water reactors having a capacity of 650,000 kilowatt each. The first water reactor will be finished and linked to the grid by 2014 end.

The power project will be mutually funded by China's nuclear power giants, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and China Huaneng Group (CHG).

Provincial governor Luo Baoming said that Hainan requires more energy to continue and improve its rapid growth as an international tourist spot. The secure and clean nuclear power was chosen to avoid affecting the island's ecosystem.

The province has little coal resource, whereas 66% of its hydropower resource has been used, leaving little prospective for future growth, Luo added. (With Inputs from Agencies)