Fuel loading has begun at Unit 2 of the Zhangzhou nuclear power station under development in Fujian province, eastern China, after owner China National Nuclear Corporation was granted an operating licence for the plant.

The China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA) said the first fuel assemblies were loaded at 16:13 local time on 11 October, marking the transition from construction to commissioning at the plant.

Fuel loading lays the groundwork for subsequent first criticality and grid connection, expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, CNEA said.