Hot testing has been completed at unit 1 of the Taipingling NPP in Huizhou City in south China’s Guangdong Province, according to China General Nuclear (CGN). Taipingling 1 is the first of six Hualong One reactor units planned for the site. The construction of units 1&2 began in 2019 and 2020 and are expected to begin operation in 2025. Construction of the second phase (units 3&4) was approved by China’s State Council in December 2023.
Hot functional tests are undertaken before the loading of nuclear fuel, and simulate the thermal working conditions of the power plant to verify that nuclear island and conventional equipment and systems meet design requirements. CGN noted that, due to the tests, the operating personnel will become more familiar with the operation of the plant thereby ensuring nuclear safety.
Cold functional tests completed earlier confirmed that components and systems important to safety were properly installed and ready to operate. These tests marked the first time the reactor systems were operated together with the auxiliary systems to verify the leak-tightness of the primary circuit.
Researched and written by Judith Perera
