China's first proprietary third-generation nuclear reactor connected to the grid

The first nuclear unit, which is fully implemented on the Chinese technology Hualong-1, was solemnly connected to the national network on November 27.

Reactor number five at the Fuqing nuclear power plant, named Hualong One (Fujian province, eastern China), was successfully connected to the Chinese power grid at 12:41 a.m. local time.

As reported in CNNC (China National Nuclear Corporation), the design capacity of the reactor is nearly 1,090 megawatts, and the declared service life is 60 years.

The construction of the block began in 2015 and already in 2018 most of the construction work was completed.

What is the peculiarity of the Chinese reactor

A characteristic feature of the Hualong One reactor is the large presence of both active and passive (backup) protection systems. Although this reactor does not have a melt trap under the core, which gives rise to some experts to doubt that this reactor belongs to the third generation.

If you take a closer look at this reactor, you can see that it is deep development of both local projects (CNP-300, CNP-600), as well as French reactors (CP0, CP1, CP2, (A) CPR-100).

What's with the reactors in the Celestial Empire

At the moment, reactors from all world players in this field are operating in China. So in China there are Russian VVER-100 (Rosatom), American AP1000 (Westinghous Electric), Canadian CANDU and French-Chinese CPR-1000.

The presented variety allows local engineers to gain experience from world specialists in all countries. But at the same time, there are difficulties in providing fuel and maintenance.

The commissioning of its own reactor is an important step in China's independence from Western experts.

It will also reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere by 8.16 million tons per year.

In addition, the commissioning of this and subsequent reactors will allow the implementation of the national program, according to which the By 2060, China plans to become a carbon neutral country and reduce its atmospheric emissions to near zero.