Unit 2 of China's Haiyang NPP in Shandong province completed 168 hours of full-power continuous operation on 9 January, becoming the fourth AP1000 unit in China to begin commercial operation.
The State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) said the unit had completed the full-power demonstration test run and had met "commercial operation conditions". However, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) still has to obtain necessary permits and documentation.
In September 2007, Westinghouse and the Shaw Group received approval to construct four AP1000 units in China: two at Sanmen in Zhejiang province and two at Haiyang. Construction of Sanmen 1 started in April 2009 and of Sanmen 2 in December 2009. Construction of Haiyang 1&2 began in September 2009 and June 2010, respectively.
Sanmen 1 became the world's first AP1000 to start up, achieving first criticality in June 2018 and grid connection in July. It reached full power operation for the first time in August and entered commercial operation in September 2018. Haiyang 1 attained first criticality in August and began commercial operation in October. Sanmen 2 also achieved first criticality in August and was began commercial operation in November. Haiyang 2 achieved first criticality in September 2018 and was connected to the grid in October.
