CNNC stated: "With this, both units of the first phase of the Hualong One mass production project are now connected to the grid, making a new contribution to optimising the national energy structure and achieving the 'dual-carbon' goal."
Construction licences for Zhangzhou Units 1 and 2 were issued by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment on 9 October 2019 to CNNC-Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Company, a joint venture between CNNC (51%) and China Guodian Corporation (49%). Work on Unit 1 started shortly afterwards, followed by Unit 2 in September 2020. Unit 1 entered commercial operation on 1 January 2025.
Fuel loading for Unit 2 commenced on 11 October 2025, with first criticality achieved on 3 November. Following grid connection, all technical parameters were reported to meet design requirements. A series of follow-up tests will be conducted to confirm performance ahead of commercial operation, which is expected before the end of 2025.
The Zhangzhou plant is planned to host six Hualong One reactors in total. Unit 1 has already generated more than 8.8 billion kWh of electricity safely and stably. Units 3 and 4 are currently in the civil construction and equipment installation phase, while preparatory work for Units 5 and 6 continues steadily.
Upon full completion, the six-unit facility is projected to produce over 60 billion kWh of clean electricity annually, sufficient to cover approximately 75 percent of the combined power demand of Xiamen and Zhangzhou cities. This output will significantly enhance the regional electricity supply structure in southern Fujian Province.
