At 8:00 am on the morning of 25 May 2024, a momentous chapter was opened when Unit 4 of the Fangchenggang Nuclear Power Plant, developed by China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), officially commenced commercial operation. This followed the successful completion of a rigorous 168-hour commissioning process, a critical step in ensuring the unit's readiness for full power generation.

The commissioning of Unit 4 marks the culmination of the Hualong One demonstration project, a showcase of CGN's ingenuity in nuclear technology. Units 3 and 4, which form the second phase of the Fangchenggang nuclear power plant, are powered by Hualong One, CGN's indigenously developed third-generation nuclear power technology. This technology represents a significant leap forward in China's nuclear power capabilities.

Fangchenggang Unit 3, which began commercial operation on 25 March 2023, has already set a precedent with its exceptional performance. It achieved a remarkable first fuel cycle capacity factor of 98.36% without any unplanned shutdowns or reactor trips from the time of fuel loading to the start of commercial operation. This achievement is the best record for third-generation reactors in China and underlines the reliability and efficiency of CGN's nuclear technology.

 (Source: China General Nuclear Power Corporation)