A number of test facilities have been set up, for example helium test loops and fuel handling test rigs. Experiments have been performed to test helium sealing, helium purification technologies and fuel handling components. Fuel burn-up has been researched. Progress has also been made in research of metallic alloy and insulation materials.

From April 2003 to September 2006, four experiments were completed to confirm and verify inherent safety features of modular HTRs: loss of offsite power without intervention, main helium blower shutdown without intervention, loss of main heat sink without intervention, and especially withdrawal of all rods without intervention. The residual heat of the reactor was carried out entirely passively and the reactor maintained its safety condition. All these experiments were authorized, guided and supervised by the national nuclear safety authority.