Unit 2 of the Sanmen NPP (an AP1000) under construction in China's Zhejiang province was connected to the electricity grid on 24 August, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation announced. Sanmen 2 achieved first criticality on in August. In July, Sanmen 1 became the world's first AP1000 to achieve grid connection and power generation. Unit 2 will now undergo gradual power ascension testing, after which, CNNC will then seek approval for commercial operation.
In September 2007, Westinghouse and its partner the Shaw Group were approved to construct four AP1000 units in China: two at Sanmen and two more at the Haiyang NPP in Shandong province. Construction of Sanmen 1 began in April 2009, and first concrete for Sanmen 2 was poured in December 2009. Construction of Haiyang 1 and 2 began in September 2009 and June 2010. Sanmen 1 was the first AP1000 to start up, achieving first criticality in June. It reached full power operation for the first time on 14 August. Haiyang 1 attained first criticality on 8 August and was grid connected on 17 August. Haiyang 2 is expected to start up in 2019.
