No. 2 Unit of world's largest Hualong-1 reactor base completes hot functional test

The No. 2 Unit of Zhangzhou nuclear power plant, located at the world's largest Hualong-1 base, completed hot functional test on Tuesday, paving the way for fuel loading and connection to the state grid.

The Hualong-1 reactor is a domestically developed third-generation nuclear reactor design, representing a major milestone in China's homegrown nuclear technology.

The hot functional test is a crucial step in the commissioning process.

The test simulates the actual operating conditions of a nuclear power plant as closely as possible and comprehensively verifies the performance of equipment and systems in both the nuclear and conventional islands under thermal conditions.

"Hot functional test of the No. 2 Unit of Zhangzhou nuclear power plant has been completed. Subsequently, we will proceed with fuel loading and grid connection as planned. According to the schedule, the No. 2 Unit will enter commercial operation in the fourth quarter of this year," said Mei Bingyun, chief engineer of China National Nuclear Corporation Zhangzhou Energy Co., Ltd.

According to plan, the power plant will eventually comprise 6 million-kilowatt-grade nuclear power units.

The No. 1 Unit has been put into commercial operation, while construction for units 3 and 4 started in 2024.

After full production, the six units will have a total installed capacity of approximately 7.2 million kilowatts. Each unit is expected to generate over 10 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, making a significant contribution to China's low-carbon energy goals.

"Hualong-1 has become the world's most widely deployed third-generation nuclear technology, both in operation and under construction. This marks that China's nuclear technology and overall competitiveness have reached the front ranks globally," Mei said.