China’s one of key nuclear power plants has successfully conducted hot functional tests, according to a report. The tests were conducted at the Xudabao nuclear power plant’s unit 3.

Situated in China’s Liaoning Province, Xudabao nuclear power plant is gearing up to become fully operational.

China National Nuclear Corporation revealed that the tests validated the system for normal operation by simulating the temperatures and pressures of normal tests.

Critical part of the commissioning process

This stage is a critical part of the commissioning process, during which reactor systems are operated under conditions similar to those expected during normal plant operation. Engineers use these tests to verify the performance and reliability of key systems before nuclear fuel is introduced into the reactor.

Completion of this phase indicates that Unit 3 has entered the final stretch before startup activities begin. The reactor is expected to move toward fuel loading and subsequent operational preparations in the coming years.

Reports revealed that at the same construction site, Unit 2 recorded another major breakthrough with the installation of its reactor pressure vessel.

Large-scale equipment installation

This massive component serves as the heart of the nuclear reactor, containing the reactor core and supporting safe operation throughout the plant’s lifetime. Its successful placement marks the transition from civil construction work to large-scale equipment installation.

The Xudabao project is designed to become a significant contributor to the nation’s electricity supply. The development combines both domestically developed and internationally sourced reactor technologies. Units 1 and 2 are based on China’s CAP1000 design, while Units 3 and 4 utilize the Russian-developed VVER-1200 reactor technology. Additional reactors are planned as part of the site’s long-term expansion strategy.

Construction activities at the project have progressed steadily over recent years as China continues to expand its nuclear power sector. China views nuclear energy as an important element of its broader strategy to ensure energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

It’s claimed that once all planned units are operational, the Xudabao facility is expected to generate tens of billions of kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The plant will play a significant role in supplying low-carbon power to support economic growth while contributing to China’s environmental and climate objectives.

CNNC said the completion of the hot tests at Xudabao 3 “lay a solid foundation for subsequent nuclear fuel loading, grid connection, and power generation”. CNNC added the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) of unit 2 was successfully hoisted into place on 28 May, “marking the official start of the peak period for the installation of main equipment for unit 2”, reported World Nuclear News.

The latest milestones demonstrate the project’s steady advancement and reflect China’s ongoing commitment to expanding its nuclear generation capacity as part of a diversified and cleaner energy mix.