New nuclear power unit starts operations in South China

A new nuclear power unit using Hualong One, a domestically designed third-generation nuclear reactor, has commenced power generation in the southern Chinese port city of Fangchenggang on Saturday, said its operator, China General Nuclear Power Group, the country's largest nuclear power plant operator by installed capacity.

The No 4 unit at the Fangchenggang nuclear power station successfully completed its 168-hour trial operation at 8 am on Saturday, further paving the way for upcoming commercial operations, it said.

The operation of the No 4 unit further verified the safety, maturity, and advanced nature of Hualong One technology, providing a replicable experience for the large-scale deployment of Hualong One units, it said.

The Fangchenggang nuclear power project plans to have six nuclear power units in total. The first two units of the six became operational in 2016, while the third unit began operations last year. Construction of the No 4 unit commenced on December 23, 2016.

The No 3 and No 4 units, both using Hualong One, are expected to meet the electricity needs of 2 million people annually while reducing the consumption of standard coal by over 5.4 million metric tons and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by about 14.83 million tons per year.