ESS is completing the installation of the first phase of operation, which will start in fall 2024 on the partial beam dump and proceed with operation on the target in 2025, after receiving the intentional neutron production license from the authorities. All modules for this operation phase, with an energy reach of 870 MeV and a power capability of 2 MW, will be tested by spring 2024. The CM performance, associated statistics and the resulting linac composition is discussed here. Testing activities for the remaining CM for the full ESS 5 MW scope will continue until mid 2026.