New JV for Chinese construction

Chicago Bridge & Iron (CB&I) is to provide engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) and other services to nuclear new-build projects in China through a newly announced joint venture with China Power Investment Corporation (CPI).

Under the joint venture with CPI subsidiary CPI Power Engineering, CB&I will provide EPC, commissioning, project management and technical support services for new plants planned by CPI. The two companies are already collaborating on the construction of two Westinghouse-designed AP1000 reactors at Haiyang, where CB&I is providing engineering, procurement, commissioning, information management and project management services. The first Haiyang unit is expected to enter service in 2014.

CPI is one of three state-owned corporations approved to own and operate nuclear power plants in China. As well as the Haiyang reactors, the company also holds a 45% stake in the Hongyanhe pressurised water reactor in Laioning province, which began commercial operation in June.

CB&I purchased the Shaw Group in February 2013, bringing together Shaw's EPC expertise with CB&I's energy infrastructure experience to create one of the world’s largest energy-focused EPC companies. As well as its involvement at Haiyang, CB&I is also providing EPC services for China's first AP1000s, currently under construction at Sanmen. The company is also providing its services to AP1000 construction projects at Summer and Vogtle in the USA.

CB&I president and CEO Philip Asherman said the new commitment would reinforce CB&I's leadership position building next-generation nuclear power plants around the world. "We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with CPI and contributing to China's long-term nuclear power plans," he said.

CPI's Yu Jianfeng said the new joint venture would be mutually beneficial to both companies while contributing to Chinese nuclear power development. "CPI regards its strategic cooperation with CB&I on nuclear power plant projects as very important," he said.

CB&I expects China's State Council to approve the construction of some 30 nuclear power plants by 2020 to meet the nuclear capacity levels set out under mid- and long-term development plans. CPI's plans include a further two AP1000s at Haiyang, plus two more at Bailong in Guangxi.

Researched and written
by World Nuclear News