First Overseas Hualong One Nuclear Reactor Goes into Commercial Operation

The Karachi K2 generator unit in Pakistan, China's first overseas Hualong One nuclear reactor, started commercial operations on May 20 after passing a 100-hour inspection process.

The reactor is a milestone of China's third generation nuclear power technology, with complete proprietary intellectual property rights.

Generally contracted by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), the K2 and K3 generator units were built based on the Hualong One technology.

Each of the units, which consist of more than 60,000 pieces of equipment, have directly driven machinery exports valued at more than 12 billion yuan ($1.87 billion). They are also expected to promote the export of industries related to nuclear fuel, plant construction and maintenance during their operation.

It is anticipated that the project will create a total income of over 100 billion yuan.

The project is the largest China-Pakistan cooperative project under construction.

During construction, CNNC made full use of its nuclear technological advantages and full industrial chain capacity. It used innovations in its design, equipment manufacturing and building technologies, thus ensuring highly-efficient and safe engineering, installation and adjustments.

The Hualong One technology was developed based on CNNC's 30-plus years of experience in scientific research and the design, construction, operation and management of nuclear power.

With a design life of 60 years, it is equipped with special nuclear fuel assemblies developed by CNNC, which set the refueling cycle at about 18 months. Its innovative security system also meets the highest international standards.

A symbol of China's nuclear power industry, Hualong One is now one of the most popular nuclear power technologies in the world.

There are eight Hualong One nuclear power reactors either in operation or under construction in the world currently, and all of them are in a safe and stable condition.

An aerial view of the Karachi K2 generator unit in Pakistan [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)