CNNC signs framework agreement with Sichuan province

The construction of nuclear power plants and development of the nuclear industry in China's Sichuan province will be promoted under a strategic cooperation framework agreement signed between China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and the provincial government.

The construction of nuclear power plants and development of the nuclear industry in China's Sichuan province will be promoted under a strategic cooperation framework agreement signed between China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and the provincial government.

The signing of the agreement (Image: CNNC)

The agreement was signed on 3 June in Chengdu by CNNC deputy general manager Yu Bacon and Sichuan's vice governor Gan Lin. The signing ceremony was attended by the head of CNNC, Sun Qin, and Sichuan provincial party secretary Wang Dongming.

Under the agreement, CNNC and Sichuan will "accelerate the promotion of scientific and technological achievements into the application, in large-scale commercial nuclear power reactors and renewable energy generation, nuclear power equipment manufacturing, nuclear technology and innovation platform construction."

CNNC and Sichuan province signed an earlier cooperation agreement in 2010.

In a 4 June statement, the provincial government said, "The signing of a strategic cooperation agreement is a new starting point for the two sides to open a new phase of cooperation."

Sun Qin described Sichuan as "an important base for the development of the nuclear industry".

In 2005, Sichuan province proposed Nanchun, east of Chengdu, as a suitable site for a nuclear power plant and sought approval for it from the National Development and Reform Commission, which was not given, possibly because of seismic concerns.

In March 2009, the provincial government signed an agreement with China General Nuclear (CGN) to pursue the plan for a Nanchun nuclear power plant, involving the Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC), headquartered in Chengdu. Preliminary plans in 2008 were for a 4000-6000 MWe plant on the Jialing River, but four Hulaong 1 units are now proposed.

Another Sichuan agreement for a nuclear power plant project was signed between CNNC and Yibin city, south of Chengdu. That project currently calls for two AP1000 units to be constructed at Yibin.

Researched and written
by World Nuclear News