Indigenous Hualong One reactor approaches commercial operation
Fuel loading has begun at Unit 2 of the Zhangzhou nuclear power station under development in Fujian province, eastern China, after owner China National Nuclear Corporation was granted an operating licence for the plant.
The China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA) said the first fuel assemblies were loaded at 16:13 local time on 11 October, marking the transition from construction to commissioning at the plant.
Fuel loading lays the groundwork for subsequent first criticality and grid connection, expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, CNEA said.
Zhangzhou-2 is a 1,126-MW domestic Hualong One, or HPR1000, pressurised water reactor (PWR) unit. Construction began in September 2020.
CNEA said the Zhangzhou nuclear station will have six Hualong One reactor units.
Zhangzhou-1 became the first and only unit so far to start commercial operation in January 2025. Construction of Zhangzhou-3 began in February 2024 and of Zhangzhou-4 in September 2024.
According to data from the International Atomic Energy Agency, China has 29 nuclear reactors under construction, including 14 of the Hualong One design.
Earlier reports have said that two more Hualong One units are being built at Jinqimen and one CAP1000 unit at Lufeng, although these are not yet listed in the IAEA database. Including these projects, China’s total number of reactors under construction would rise to 32.
