An aerial panoramic photo shows a view of the Zhangzhou nuclear power project under construction in Zhangzhou. XINHUA

Nuclear Power Unit 2 of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant, adopting "Hualong One" nuclear power technology, began loading its first batch of nuclear fuel on Oct 11.

This marks its transition into the nuclear commissioning phase and underpinning its forthcoming criticality and grid-connection milestones.

Fuel loading – the insertion of fresh fuel assemblies into the reactor pressure vessel – represents the boundary between non-nuclear and nuclear testing and is among the most vital stages before a plant begins commercial generation.

To ensure its successful operation, the project team leveraged experiences from Nuclear Power Unit 2 and other domestic reactors, prepared rigorously, and upheld strict quality control.

"Hualong One" is China's third-generation nuclear power technology with full intellectual property rights. Over the past decade, it has progressed steadily in mass deployment, becoming the most widely accepted series of third-generation nuclear power reactors in the world.

Zhangzhou is the launch base for the large-scale deployment of "Hualong One" and is largest installation site, with six nuclear power units planned.

CNNC staff watch the No 5 nuclear power unit's connection to the grid in Fuqing. XINHUA

Upon full commissioning, the site is expected to deliver approximately 60 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, covering about 75 percent of the demand in Xiamen and Zhangzhou.

An aerial drone photo shows a view of the first power generation unit (L) of Zhangzhou nuclear power project in Zhangzhou. XINHUA

Unit 1 has generated 7.8 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to date. Following the commercial operation of Units 1 and 2, the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant is expected to supply over 20 billion kilowatt-hours of clean power annually during China's 14th Five-Year Plan.