Nuclear News Weekly Roundup - 06/18 - 06/22

Sanmen Unit 1 reaches first criticality and Haiyang Unit 1 approved for first fuel load, both crossing major milestones

Sanmen Unit 1 reached its first criticality on June 22nd and is expected to enter commercial operation later this year. Haiyang Unit 1 received approval for its first fuel load one day earlier, on June 21st and is expected to enter commercial operation by Q4 2018 or Q1 2019 at the latest.

Hongyanhe Unit 5’s steam generator installed

Recently, with the smooth installation of Hongyanhe Unit 5’s third steam generator on its vertical support, all 3 of the unit’s steam generators were officially installed in the reactor building. During the lifting process, China Nuclear Industry 23 Construction Co., Ltd. completed rings 1, 2, and 3 on May 3rd, May 24th and June 10th, respectively, which laid the foundation for the consequent main pipe welding.

All hydraulic components of Fuqing Unit 5’s RCPs delivered to site

On June 14th, the third and final RCP hydraulic assembly for CNNC’s Hualong One Demonstration project were delivered to Fuqing Unit 5’s site.

NNSA press conference on Taishan progress: the world’s first EPR will reach grid connection in July

The National Nuclear Safety Administration convened a press conference to discuss the progress of the Taishan nuclear power plant. In April, the plant received approval from the NNSA to begin its fuel loading, in the beginning of June passed inspection and achieved its first criticality, and now, is currently in the low power test phase. The plant is expected to connect to the external power grid in July and enter full power operation in the third quarter.    

NPP Safety Grade Electric Equipment Anti-Seismic Performance Authentication (核电厂安全级电气设备抗震鉴定) national standards released, coming into effect on December 1st

Dongfang Electric signed strategic cooperation framework agreement with NPIC

On June 19th, Dongfang Electric Company and the Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC) signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement. The two sides intend to deepen their strategic cooperation relationship regarding the nuclear power industry chain and build a platform for project cooperation. Before the signing ceremony, the two sides held friendly discussions on deepening cooperation and promoting independent innovation of nuclear power.