Small reactors planned for Zhangzhou

Thursday, 17 November 2011

A demonstration nuclear power plant featuring small, modular reactors is to be constructed at Zhangzhou in China's Fujian province. The plant will provide the city with electricity, heat and water desalination.

 

An agreement was signed on 14 November by CNNC New Energy Corporation - a joint venture between China National Nuclear Corporation (51%) and China Guodian Corporation (49%) - and the Zhangzhou municipal government. CNNC New Energy will construct two small, modular nuclear power reactors at a cost of some RMB5 billion ($787 million).

 

 

Signing up for two small reactors at Zhangzhou (Image: Zhangzhou municipal government)

 

 

Although it has not been disclosed what specific reactor technology will be used for the Zhangzhou units, CNNC has been developing the ACP100 modular design. This is a 100 to 150 MWe pressurized water reactor designed for electricity, heat or desalination. A plant utilizing the design will have a flexible configuration, with between one and eight modules.

  

In July 2010, China Guodian Corp - one of China's five leading power producers -signed a strategic cooperation agreement with CNNC. The partners are to cooperate in the development of renewable energy and nuclear power projects, including small multi-purpose modular reactors, as well as personnel training.

 

As part of that deal, China Guodian will have equity in a proposed nuclear plant at Zhangzhou, initially comprising two Westinghouse AP1000 reactors. The company will also have a stake in the Hengyang plant planned for Hunan province, as well as in the Jingyu nuclear power project proposed in the north eastern province of Jilin, with China Power Investment Corp.

 

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News