Image source: Global Times
The Hualong One, also known as Hualong-1 or HPR1000 is a Chinese pressurized water nuclear reactor design. The reactor in Fuqing in China’s southeastern province of Fujian was first connected to the grid on November 27th last year, following more than five years of construction work.
The China National Nuclear Corp (CNNC) said the first of its Hualong One units, the third-generation pressurised water nuclear reactors, began commercial operations on Saturday.
“This marks that China has mastered independent third-generation nuclear power technology following the United States, France, Russia and others,” the company said in a statement on its official WeChat account, reports Reuters.
The Hualong One power output will be 1170 MWe gross, 1090 MWe net, with a 60-year design life, and would use a combination of passive and active safety systems with a double containment.
CNNC said the project would help China secure its national energy safety and reach carbon neutrality.
A second unit at Fuqing site is due to be completed the end of this year.
