On Tuesday, April 08, 2025, the No. 2 Unit of the Zhangzhou nuclear power plant, situated at the world’s largest Hualong-1 base in China, successfully completed its hot functional test. This milestone clears the path for fuel loading and eventual connection to the national grid. The Hualong-1, a third-generation nuclear reactor designed and developed within China, stands as a notable achievement in the country’s nuclear technology advancements.

An aerial view of the Hualong-1 base in Zhangzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province.

The hot functional test plays an essential role in preparing the reactor for operation. It closely mimics real-world conditions, allowing engineers to assess the performance of equipment and systems across both the nuclear and conventional sections under high-temperature settings. This thorough evaluation ensures reliability before the unit moves to the next stages.

Mei Bingyun, chief engineer at China National Nuclear Corporation Zhangzhou Energy Co., Ltd., stated: "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." The timeline reflects steady progress toward enhancing the plant’s operational capacity.

The Zhangzhou facility is designed to house six nuclear power units, each with a million-kilowatt capacity. Currently, the No. 1 Unit is fully operational, delivering power to the grid, while construction began on units 3 and 4 in 2024. Once all six units are complete, the plant’s total installed capacity will reach about 7.2 million kilowatts. Annually, each unit is projected to produce over 10 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity, supporting China’s efforts to expand sustainable energy sources.

Mei Bingyun also highlighted the global standing of the Hualong-1 design, saying: "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." The widespread use of this reactor underscores its reliability and efficiency in meeting energy demands.

The completion of the hot functional test for the No. 2 Unit signals a key step forward for the Zhangzhou plant. With ongoing developments across its units, the facility is set to play a vital role in providing stable, low-carbon power, aligning with broader environmental objectives.