On August 18, 2026, with the completion of the verification of the correctness of core loading and the start of the reinstallation of protective tube components, the first nuclear fuel loading work of Tianwan Nuclear Power Unit 7 was successfully completed, officially entering the stage of nuclear commissioning. This is the first VVER-1200 third-generation nuclear power unit put into construction in China, and also the first loading of this model in China. From the start on the 12th to the completion on the 18th, a total of 163 sets of nuclear fuel assemblies were safely loaded into the reactor, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent criticality, grid connection, and commercial operation of the unit.

163 sets of fuel accurately loaded into the reactor

Loading is a key milestone in the entire construction cycle of nuclear power units and the starting point for nuclear operation of the units. The loading of Unit 7 of Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant started on August 12, 2026 and ended on August 18, completing the loading of 163 sets of nuclear fuel assemblies, which were divided into three parts: fuel assembly transfer, fuel loading into the reactor, and loading correctness verification. The most critical fuel loading process adopts a fully automatic remote loading control system, and all fuel component operations are automatically completed by the system based on the preset coordinates set by the staff. After the loading is completed, the unit will carry out subsequent work such as reactor reinstallation, reactor criticality, turbine start-up, and grid connection.

The first VVER-1200 reactor in China

Tianwan Nuclear Power Unit 7 is China's first VVER-1200 third-generation nuclear power unit to be put into construction, and this loading is also the first loading of China's VVER-1200 nuclear power unit. VVER-1200 is a third-generation nuclear power technology developed by Russia, featuring advanced safety systems and high power generation efficiency. The single unit installed capacity of Tianwan Nuclear Power Unit 7 is 1.265 million kilowatts, with a design life of 60 years. According to the project construction plan, it will be put into commercial operation in 2026. Unit 8 is scheduled to be put into operation in 2027, and both units will adopt the VVER-1200 technology route. Keywords: New Energy News Network, Nuclear Power

Blueprint formation for eight units

The Tianwan Nuclear Power Base plans to construct 8 units, of which 1 to 6 units have been completed and put into operation in advance, with a cumulative grid connected electricity of over 500 billion kilowatt hours. The under construction Units 7 and 8 have a single installed capacity of 1.265 million kilowatts and a design lifespan of 60 years. They will be put into commercial operation in 2026 and 2027, respectively. After all 8 units of Tianwan Nuclear Power Base are put into operation, the total installed capacity will exceed 9 million kilowatts, the annual power supply will exceed 70 billion kilowatt hours, and the annual carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by 57.4 million tons. The Tianwan Nuclear Power Base will become one of China's important nuclear power bases, providing strong support for clean energy supply and carbon reduction goals in the Yangtze River Delta region.Editor/Gao Xue