China's domestically developed Hualong-1 nuclear technology reached a critical milestone on November 22, 2025, as Unit 2 of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant successfully connected to the state grid. Operated by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), the facility in Fujian Province now hosts the world's largest Hualong-1 reactor base.
The third-generation reactor design, entirely developed in China, enters mass-scale application with this grid connection. Construction of Unit 2 began in September 2020, with fuel loading completed last month. Engineers will now conduct performance tests ahead of planned commercial operations.
"Unit 1 has already delivered over 8.8 billion kWh of safe, clean electricity since entering service," said Mei Bingyun, chief engineer at CNNC Zhangzhou Energy. When fully operational, the six-reactor complex will boast 7.2 million kilowatts of installed capacity – each unit projected to generate 10+ billion kWh annually, equivalent to powering 10 million households.
This expansion strengthens China's transition to low-carbon energy systems while showcasing technological self-reliance. The project aligns with global climate goals through stable baseload power generation without direct carbon emissions.
