At 2:09 am on June 21, 2018, the world’s first AP1000 advanced pressurized water reactor – China’s Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant achieved the first criticality in its Unit 1.

The AP1000 nuclear power technology was introduced from the U.S. Westinghouse by the State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation (SNPTC), a subsidiary of State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC). Based on the AP1000, SNPTC is authorized to improve and develop the third generation nuclear reactor technology with its own intellectual-property rights. The Sanmen Project is constructed by SNPTC and operated by CNNC. Since its commencement in April 2009, the Project has solved various problems in equipment development and construction, and made substantial progress. The AP1000 passive design concept and the construction quality of the Project have been highly affirmed by nuclear authorities in China and International Atomic Energy Agency, which is the result of joint cooperation and collective efforts of domestic and foreign partners.

The successful construction of Sanmen NPP Project is an important achievement and a key step in the development of China's Gen III nuclear power technology.