BEIJING (Reuters) – China National Nuclear Corp said the first of its Hualong One units, the third generation of pressurized water reactors, started commercial operations on Saturday.
The reactor at Fuqing in southeastern China’s Fujian province was first connected to the grid on November 27 last year, after more than five years of construction work.
“This indicates that China is mastering independent third-generation nuclear power technology, following the lead of the United States, France, Russia and others,” the company said in a statement on its official WeChat account.
The Hualong One units, designed to have a lifespan of 60 years, have an installed power of 1.161 million kilowatts each, according to CNNC.
Construction of a second Hualong One unit at Fuqing site is due to be completed this year.
CNNC said the project would help China secure its national energy security and achieve carbon neutrality.
Reporting by Min Zhang and Norihiko Shirouzu; edited by Jane Wardell