China has connected a new Hualong One nuclear reactor to its power grid, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced, a key move as the world's largest energy system works to wean itself off coal. The reactor, Unit 2 at the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant in Fujian Province, began generating electricity on November 22.  

The successful launch provides a massive new source of carbon-free electricity capable of supplying millions of homes around the clock. The connection marks the pivotal transition of the Zhangzhou facility, the world's largest Hualong One base, from a global-scale construction project to a live power source. Once fully completed, the site will house six reactors with a total installed capacity of about 7.2 million kilowatts. Each unit is expected to generate over 10 billion kWh of clean electricity annually, bolstering China's energy security.

The successful launch also stands as proof positive of the Hualong One's reliability, China's flagship third-generation nuclear reactor design intended for the global market.

Construction of Unit 2 began in September 2020, and the unit completed its first fuel loading in October 2025. CNNC said the unit will now undergo a series of planned tests to further verify its performance and ensure it meets all requirements for commercial operation.

Unit 1 of the plant is already in commercial service and has safely generated more than 8.8 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), according to Mei Bingyun, chief engineer of China National Nuclear Corporation Zhangzhou Energy Co., Ltd.

Read more: A look inside the largest Hualong-1 nuclear power base