Fuel assemblies for HPR1000 (Hualong One) nuclear reactors [Photo/CNNC]China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) said on 12 September that it had begun shipping Chinese-made CF3 fuel assemblies for unit 5 of the Fuqing nuclear plant in Fujian province, the world’s first Chinese-designed HPR1000 (Hualong One) pressurised water reactor (PWR).  

Testing of four sets of CF3 fuel assemblies was previously carried out at unit 2 of the Qinshan II NPP, a CNP-600 PWR.  
 
CNNC said construction of the Fuqing 5 reactor is progressing according to schedule. The HPR1000 reactor has a 60-year lifespan, and its reactor core needs refuelling every 18 months.

CNNC noted that it is now capable of mass-producing fuel assemblies for the HPR1000 reactors, which will facilitate the export of HPR1000 technology to other countries.

Fuqing 5&6 are the first two demonstration Generation III Hualong One units and are scheduled for start-up in 2019. Two others are under construction as units 3 and 4 of the Fangchenggang NPP for start-up in 2020. Two more Hualong One reactors are under construction at Karachi in Pakistan, and China also hopes to construct two at the Bradwell NPP in the UK.

Photo: Fuel assemblies for HPR1000 (Hualong One) nuclear reactors [Photo/CNNC]