China's Taipingling unit 2 achieves first nuclear chain reaction milestone

Taipingling unit 2 has achieved its first sustained nuclear reaction. The milestone marks a key step for the Hualong One reactor in Guangdong province. The plant is part of a larger expansion with six units planned in total. The reactor reached its first criticality point at 09:45 local time on 24 June. A sustained chain reaction followed at 00:22 the next day. This came after fuel loading was completed on 3 May.

China’s National Nuclear Safety Administration had issued a 40-year operating licence for the unit on 30 April. The 1,116 MWe pressurised water reactor is the second of six Hualong One units planned for the site.

In December 2023, the State Council approved construction of the second phase—units 3 and 4. The full project will require an investment of over CNY120 billion (USD17 billion). Once all six units are operational, the plant will generate more than 55 billion kilowatt-hours annually. This is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 50.82 million tonnes each year. The development reinforces China’s commitment to expanding its nuclear energy capacity.