Wedoany.com Report-Jun 17, China General Nuclear (CGN) has successfully completed hot functional tests at unit 1 of the San’ao nuclear power plant in Zhejiang province, China, on June 10, 2025. This milestone, involving the first of six planned HPR1000 (Hualong One) reactors at the site, ensures that reactor coolant systems and safety mechanisms operate correctly under simulated thermal conditions.

Hot functional tests, conducted before loading nuclear fuel, raise the temperature of the reactor coolant system to verify that both nuclear and conventional systems meet design standards. CGN stated: “The completion of hot test at San’ao unit 1 on 10 June lays the foundation for subsequent reactor loading, grid-connected power generation and commercial operation.” Earlier, in November 2024, cold functional tests confirmed the proper installation and leak-tightness of the primary circuit and auxiliary systems.

The San’ao project received approval from the National Energy Administration in May 2015 for site protection and preparatory work. On September 2, 2020, the State Council greenlit the construction of units 1 and 2, with construction permits issued by the National Nuclear Safety Administration on December 30, 2020. Construction began on unit 1 the next day and on unit 2 on December 30, 2021. These units are expected to start generating electricity in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

In August 2024, the State Council approved phase II of the San’ao plant, covering units 3 and 4. The facility, the first in China’s Yangtze River Delta to use the Hualong One design, will eventually comprise six reactors. The project is also notable for being China’s first nuclear power initiative to include private investment, with Geely Technology Group holding a 2% stake in Cangnan Nuclear Power, while CGN owns 46% and other state-owned enterprises hold the remaining shares.

The San’ao nuclear power plant supports China’s commitment to expanding clean energy production, leveraging advanced reactor technology to meet growing electricity demands sustainably.