According to China General Nuclear (CGN), unit 4 of the Fangchenggang nuclear power plant has attained a sustained chain reaction for the first time. The unit is the second of two demonstration CGN-designed Hualong One (HPR1000) reactors at the site, which is located in China’s Guangxi Autonomous Region. CGN received an operating licence for Fangchenggang 4 in late February, allowing the initial loading of fuel into the reactor’s core. The fuel loading process was completed at the beginning of March. China’s National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) subsequently inspected Fangchenggang 4 to assess its readiness for criticality. The regulator announced on 1st April that the start up of the reactor could commence.
Work on unit 4 started in 2016 and was significantly delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
