A hot performance test was recently conducted on the No. 1 unit of Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant, which is built by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) with Hualong One, a domestically designed third-generation nuclear reactor, in East China's Fujian province.

The hot performance test laid a solid foundation for tasks such as fuel loading and grid connection.

The hot performance test involves the operation of the main pumps and electric heater of the voltage regulator to raise the temperature and pressure of the reactor coolant system to thermal shutdown conditions. During this comprehensive testing phase, a series of commissioning and periodic operational tests were conducted on specific test platforms. It aimed to simulate various thermal working conditions of a nuclear power plant and verify the reliability of the nuclear island and conventional island equipment and systems under hot operating conditions, ensuring that relevant parameters meet design requirements.

As a major achievement of China's nuclear power innovation, Hualong One is one of the most widely accepted third-generation nuclear power reactors in the international nuclear power market, holding significant importance for the country's nuclear industry. Each Hualong One nuclear power reactor can generate over 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which can meet the energy needs of one million people in a mid-level developed country. Moreover, it contributes to the reduction of coal consumption by 3.12 million tons and carbon dioxide emissions by 8.16 million tons annually, which is equivalent to planting more than 70 million trees.

The No. 1 unit of Zhangzhou nuclear power plant is expected to come into operation within 2024, driving economic and social development of southern Fujian and serving as a new engine for the region to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. The No. 2 unit has been under the preparation for cold performance test. The No. 3 unit of the phase-2 project has already pouredthe first concrete for its nuclear island, and the No. 4 unit will start construction within this year.