(Yicai Global) July 14 -- State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) on July 13, one of China's three largest nuclear power development and construction companies has the first Chinese reactor to use third-generation nuclear AP1000 technology from the US-based Westinghouse Electric Corp.

Haiyang Nuclear Power Unit No. 1 finished all tests and officially entered the loading preparation phase, laying a solid foundation for the follow-up grid-connected power generation, the company said. 

Together with Sanmen Unit No. 1, the nuclear power plants have both entered the loading preparation phase, which are scheduled for grid-connected power generation in the fourth quarter of this year.

Once the Sanmen Unit No. 1 has been successfully connected to the grid and put into commercial operation, several domestic nuclear power projects using AP1000 technology and other technologies developed on its basis will be constructed.

All projects will play their part in achieving the nuclear power development objectives set forth in China's "13th Five-Year Plan".

In the long run, nuclear power is the only energy that can replace thermal power on a large scale. Compared to thermal power generation, nuclear power has the advantages of no emissions of polluting gas and a high energy conversion efficiency compared to hydro and wind power.

Nuclear power is not affected by season or climate, and power generation is highly efficient and stable. Nuclear power plays an important role in ensuring China's energy safety and increasing the share of non-fossil fuels to 20 percent of the country's energy mix by 2030.