Ling Ao 1 was completed 48 days ahead of schedule, with commercial operation beginning on 28 May 2002.
Construction of the reactor started in May 1997, with the nuclear island assembly beginning in January 1999. Tests on the reactor coolant system were performed on 15 May 2001, and hot testing ended in October 2001. Fuel loading began on 8 December, 2001, and first criticality was reached on 4 February 2002. The reactor was connected to the grid at 10% nominal power on 26 February 2002.
Ling Ao 2 is also progressing ahead of schedule, with first fuel loading expected in mid-July 2002. Commercial operation is planned for March 2003, but may begin earlier.
