China's second nuclear power unit using Hualong One, a domestically designed third-generation nuclear reactor, starts power generation in Fuqing, East China's Fujian province on Jan 1, 2022. (XINHUA)

FUZHOU - China's second nuclear power unit using Hualong One, a domestically designed third-generation nuclear reactor, has begun generating electricity, paving the way for commercial operation.

The No 6 unit in the city of Fuqing, East China's Fujian province, was connected to the power grid at 10:35 pm on Saturday and started power generation, according to the China National Nuclear Corporation.

The first Hualong One unit globally and the first unit overseas were put into commercial use in 2021 in Fuqing and Pakistan, respectively

On-site staff confirmed that the unit was in good condition, and all the technical indicators met the design requirements.

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According to CNNC, every nuclear power unit using Hualong One has an installed capacity of 1.16 million kilowatts. It is expected to generate nearly 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, equivalent to reduction of 3.12 million tons of standard coal consumption and 8.16 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

The first Hualong One unit globally and the first unit overseas were put into commercial use in 2021 in Fuqing and Pakistan, respectively.