The first overseas reactor of China's homegrown third-generation nuclear reactor technology -- the Hualong One or HPR 1000 -- was tested successfully in Pakistan on Dec 2, according to local officials.

The primary circuit pressure reached 22.3 Mpa for the No 2 nuclear power plant in Karachi and the pressure was maintained for 10 minutes, they said.

The reactor was approved by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority and Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission.

The K2 and K3 units of nuclear power plant in Karachi were constructed by China Zhong Yuan Engineering Corporation, a unit of China National Nuclear Corporation, or CNNC.

Officials said the successful cold functional test for the K2 unit of the nuclear power plant in Karachi signified the main installation process had been completed and the units could enter into the commissioning phase.

Meanwhile, the test also laid a solid foundation for the subsequent hot test, the fuel loading for the first time and grid-connected electricity generation, officials said.

During this test, a thorough inspection was carried out on more than 7,200 welds and over 800 mechanical connection points on seven pressure platforms.

All indicators met the acceptance criteria, officials said.

Furthermore, the design requirements were met for the installation quality and performance of the related equipment and systems for the primary circuit of the K2 unit.

Technicians from China Zhong Yuan Engineering Corporation, a unit of China National Nuclear Corporation, celebrate after the successful cold functional test of the first overseas reactor of China's homegrown third-generation Hualong One nuclear reactor technology. [Photo/CNNC]