As HPR 1000 demonstrative project—Unit 5 of Fujian province’s Fuqing Nuclear Power Plant completed its hydraulic pressure tests on April 8, all tests for the first Chinese-made third-generation reactor pressure vessel had been completed. This success lays a solid foundation for the construction of HPR 1000's first global demonstration project and demonstrates that China has mastered the independent design and manufacture of third-generation nuclear power facilities.

More good news followed as the three main-steam isolation valves of Unit 5 passed all routine tests on April 13, ahead of the delivery date, which means that China is now capable of independently developing and manufacturing the key valve of third-generation nuclear power reactors and promoting the reputation of the HPR 1000. 

As a key device in nuclear power plants, the main-steam isolation valve plays the most important safety role in the secondary steam loop. This milestone is essential for the construction of the HPR 1000 and the implementation of the “going global” strategy, which further promotes the safety, efficiency and competitiveness of China’s nuclear technologies.