Nuclear News Weekly Roundup - 04/09 - 04/13

Taishan Unit 1 Started Fuel-loading

On the afternoon of April 10th, Liu Hua, Director of the NNSA and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (former MEP), issued Taishan Nuclear Power Joint Venture Company an approval for Taishan Unit 1 to load fuel for the first time. The MEE’s South China Station of Nuclear and Radiation Safety Inspection verified that Taishan Unit 1 was qualified to begin fuel-loading. Field engineers on-site began to load the first fuel assembly at 20:18 that evening. Taishan Unit 1 was recognized as the World’s First EPR Unit in January 2018 when French President Macron paid a state visit to China and it is now the first Gen III unit in China to start fuel-loading, overtaking the AP1000 at Sanmen.

Changjiang NPP Advancing the Phase II Extension Project’s Preparation Work

On March 28th, the General Manager of Hainan Nuclear Power Company, Xu Jun, told a journalist that preparation work for Changjiang NPP’s Phase II extension project is advancing smoothly and the project will build two HPR1000 units. Changjiang NPP is located in western Hainan Province and is planned to build 4 units in total. Units 1&2 of the Phase I project had their FCDs on April 25th, 2010 and November 21st, 2010 and were connected to the grid on August 12th, 2016.

Fuqing Unit 5’s Reactor Internals Shipped

On April 12th, the reactor internals of Fuqing Unit 5 were shipped from Shanghai Electric’s No.1 Machine Tools Plant. The reactor internals were designed by the Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC). The system supports fuel bundles while absorbing neutrons and gamma rays emitted from the core, protecting the external materials from radiation and prolonging the lifespan of the reactor.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup - 03/31 - 04/06

NEA Director Nur Bekri: Promote Nuclear Power Development Safely and Steadily; Solve the Issue of Clean Energy Being Under-dispatched

Mr. Nur Bekri, Director of the National Energy Administration (NEA) and Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), was recently interviewed by the People’s Daily publication regarding the direction and focus of Chinese energy development strategy in the wake of the 19th CCP National Congress. On the topic of nuclear power development, Bekri said that China will promote nuclear power development safely and steadily and make great efforts to solve the issue of clean energy being under-dispatched.

Based on public available information, in the past decade, the growth rate of national power demand slowed down each year yet newly installed capacity increased constantly at the rate of over 8% annually. As a result, capacity factors of NPPs nationwide have degraded over the past several years. In 2015 and 2016, average utilization rates of NPPs were 83.3% and 79.55%.

Zhangzhou and Taipingling (Huizhou) Projects Ready for FCD on Merged HPR1000 Design

Hualong Pressurized Water Reactor Technology Corporation announced during the 15th China International Nuclear Industry Exhibition that the first-ever merged design of HPR1000 will be built at CNNC’s Zhangzhou NPP project and CGN’s Huizhou/Taipingling project. CNNC and CGN representatives said that both Zhangzhou and Huizhou/Taipingling are on schedule for FCDs in 2018 and are waiting for FCD license approval from Chinese government.

Hualong pressurized water reactor technology is China’s self-developed Gen III nuclear technology, created through a fusion of CNNC’s ACP1000 design and CGN’s ACPR1000+ design. Among the current HPR1000 demonstration projects under construction, Fuqing Units 5&6 are derived from the CGN design while CNNC’s HRP1000 at Fangchenggang Units 3&4 are developed from the ACP1000 technology. Under the NEA’s guidance, the technology integration plan was initiated in 2013. In 2015, the first round of integration was completed and the demonstration projects at Fuqing and Fangchenggang were approved to start construction. The second round completed in July 2017 and passed NEA evaluation. The merged HPR1000 design is now ready for immediate new build deployments according to Mr. Zhao Chengkun, Deputy Director of CNEA and former Director of NNSA. Mr. Zhao has argued that the HRP1000 design is very safe and has many advantages compared to other international Gen III technologies. Thus, he has mad vocal appeals for immediate FCDs of subsequent HPR1000 projects, saying that it’s unnecessary to wait until the completion and grid connection of the demonstration projects (in Fuqing & Fangchenggang)

China has not issued any approval for NPP new builds since late 2016.

Major Crane at Fuqing Unit 5’s CIs Completed Load Tests

The 350/60-ton bridge cranes at Fuqing Unit 5’s conventional islands (CIs) completed load tests recently. All CI cranes are available for usage at this point. Completion of load tests paved the way for subsequent installation work. The major crane is the most important hoisting equipment at CIs. It has two bridge cranes and will lift all CIs’ important equipment during the phases of construction, installation, and maintenance.

Progress on Development & Manufacturing of Various NPP Components  

Shanghai Electric successfully completed manufacturing of the reactor internals for Fuqing Unit 5, as well as the steam turbine welded rotors for export to the Karachi HPR1000 project; Ningxia Gongxiang Steel Forging Company and Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Metal Research made technological breakthroughs on development of high pressure cylinder’s castings for Karachi Unit 3; Jiamusi Electric Machine Company of Harbin Electric manufactured China’s first auxiliary generators for residual heat removal pumps.  

Timetable for Travelling Wave Reactor (TWR) Development Revealed

CNNC revealed its roadmap for the development of the travelling wave reactor (TWR) during the 15th China International Nuclear Industry Exhibition. According to CNNC, a 300MV demonstration unit will be built around mid-2020s; meanwhile, manufacturing and supply chain of the metallic fuel assemblies will be localized. By 2030, a 600 MW commercial scale unit will be developed and constructed; and by mid-2030s, CNNC will target completion of a scaled-up 1200 MW design for construction.  

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup - 03/26 - 03/30

Gansu Province Will Build the Experiment Platform for a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor Nuclear Energy System (TMSR) in Wuwei City

The Department of Urban and Rural Housing Construction in Gansu Province released Notice on Site-Selection Plan of the TMSR Experiment Platform Program and Notice on Site-Selection Plan of Affiliated Programs of the TMSR Experiment Platform Program on March 27th. The notices are for public opinion collection and will expire on April 2nd. Should they receive no objections, the experiment platform and its affiliated programs will be built in the industry park in Minqin County of Wuwei city of Gansu Province. According to publicly available information, Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics as the program owner has filed the site-selection application to the Gansu Provincial Government. TMSR is one of the six Gen IV designs featuring higher inherent safety, less spent fuel, lower proliferation risks, and more economic operations. Gansu Province has abundant mineral resources that the TMSR can use, fitting into Gansu’s current strategy to develop the unconventional energy industry.

Tianwan Unit 4 has Started Hot Testing on March 27th

Tianwan Unit 4 began hot testing on March 27th. This lays the foundation for the subsequent major milestones of fuel-loading and eventual realization of commercial operation in 2018.

The 15th Nuclear Industry China (NIC) Opened on March 28th in Beijing

On the morning of March 28th, the 15th China International Nuclear Industry Exhibition opened at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. The topic of this year’s NIC was: “Innovation & Cooperation: Nuclear Energy Powering Beautiful Life.”   

NPIC has Won the Bid for Xiapu 600MW Fast Reactor Demonstration Project’s Electric Heater

Dongfang Electric (Guangzhou) sent the bid-winning notice to the Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC) on March 26th. NPIC won the bid to supply electric heaters to Xiapu’s 600 MW fast reactor demonstration project. The 175 electric heaters are used in the primary and secondary coolant systems and are estimated to be delivered in early 2019.

Lanzhou University of Technology has Developed China’s First 600 ℃ Bismuth Alloy Canned Motor Pump

China’s first 600  ℃ high-temperature liquid lead-bismuth alloy canned motor pump has been successfully developed. It was designed by Dr. Cheng Xiaorui of Lanzhou University of Technology and manufactured by Dalian Sifang Electric Pump Company. It has now been delivered to the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Modern Physics and is under test operations. It represents another technology breakthrough in China.

Fuqing Unit 5’s RCP has Finished Its Full-flow Test

Fuqing Unit 5’s RCP has finished its full-flow test, signaling that the development of the RCP for HPR1000 is a success. The full-flow test is an examination at the primary coolant system test stand, mimicking normal operational and extreme working conditions, to test the pump’s integrity and durability. It will be shipped to the site after being disassembled, cleaned, and packed.

The CNNC-made Vacuum Leak Detection Equipment for the ITER Project has Passed Acceptance Assessment

The world’s first vacuum lead detection equipment for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project passed acceptance evaluation recently. It was made by CNNC’s Southeastern Institute of Physics. The world’s first thermal helium leak detection test was also conducted with the equipment during the assessment. Test results show that the performance was fully qualified, which sets an important baseline for the establishment of thermal helium test standards for the tokamak device in the future.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup - 03/19 - 03/23

Hongyanhe Unit 5 RPV Delivered to Site

On March 22nd, Hongyanhe Unit 5’s reactor pressure vessel (RPV) became the first primary equipment delivered to the construction site. This marks the beginning of the peak NI equipment installation period for Hongyanhe phase II. The RPV is one of the most important components within the NI. Occupying the center of the containment building, the RPV has a height of 13 meters, a diameter of 4 meters, and weighs more than 300 tons. It houses many critical subcomponents needed to sustain and control nuclear fission, such as the reactor core, reactor internals, and control rods. Upon beginning operation, the RPV will withstand a pressure of 155 times earth’s atmosphere and very high temperatures – over 300 ℃.

Fuqing Unit 6’s Containment Dome Attached 10 Days Ahead of Schedule

On March 21st, ten days ahead of schedule, the containment dome for Fuqing Unit 6 (the second HPR1000 in China) was attached. The hoisting of the dome began at 6:30am using a 3200-ton crane. With a diameter of 46.8 meters, it weighs about 342 tons and also contains spray piping and a ventilation system attached inside. The dome is critical to the integrity and seal of the containment building.

CNECC Subsidiary Establishes JV in the UK

China Nuclear Industry Huaxing Construction Company, a major subsidiary of China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Group Corporation (CNECC), has established a joint venture – H&E Engineering Limited – with French partner Efinor. This is a solid achievement for the China nuclear industry’s  “going out” Initiative, which aims to grow industry exports. Huaxing and Efinor each hold 50% of H&E’s stocks. The new JV will focus on British nuclear market. On October 23rd, 2017, the two partners won the bid for Hinkley Point C’s HXA storage tanks and will closely follow HPC’s other tenders as well.

Fuqing Unit 1 Receives Top Operating Unit Score From WANO

Fuqing Unit 1’s 2017 performance received a score of “100”, the highest possible score, during a comprehensive evaluation from WANO. In 2017 CNNC had six operating units score 100, including, Tianwan Unit 2.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 03/12 - 03/16

CNNC: We’ve been Thinking about Building a Regional Headquarter in Shanghai

“We’ve been thinking about building a regional headquarter in Shanghai,” CNNC President, Wang Shoujun, told journalists in a press conference during the “two sessions.” “Shanghai is the birthplace of Chinese nuclear power. The Shanghai municipality has made enormous contributions to the Qinshan NPP. Over the years, CNNC has been working closely with Shanghai Electric. In fact, CNNC’s development is not constrained to one place. Our headquarters and some R&D institutes are located in Beijing. Next, we are looking at Shanghai as an important place of support to develop and enhance the Chinese civil nuclear industry,” said Wang.

Qinshan and Sanmen Win Zhejiang Province’s Direct Power Sales Bid

The Development and Reform Commission of Zhejiang Province has recently released the “Notice about the Bidding Results of 2018 Direct Power Sales Pilot Platform.” According to the notice, Qinshan NPP and Sanmen NPP, two power generation enterprises with priority dispatch rights, both won direct power sales bids in Zhejiang Province. Qinshan won 10.475 billion KwH while Sanmen (still under construction) won 766 million KwH.

Fuqing Unit 5 Progress: Primary Pumps Reactor Internals Pass Acceptance Inspection; RCP Started Full Flow Test

On March 10th, Harbin Electric started to conduct a full flow test for Fuqing Unit 5’s RCP. The pump will be shipped to the site after the test.

On March 15th, the reactor internals of Fuqing Unit 5, the world’s first HPR1000, passed the acceptance inspection. The reactor internals were designed by the Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC) and manufactured by Shanghai Electric’s Shanghai No.1 Machine Tools Plant. Reactor internals include the primary equipment for all items inside a nuclear reactor. The system supports fuel bundles while absorbing neutrons and gamma ray emitted from the core, protecting the external materials from radiation, prolonging the lifespan of a reactor.

Fuqing Unit 6: Installation of Ring Crane’s Main Beam Started; Dome Will be Attached in Late March

On March 9th, the electric primary beam of the ring crane used at Fuqing Unit 6 was hoisted into place, paving the way for subsequent installation work. The ring crane is an important hoisting equipment used for installation, examination, and maintenance of devices.

CNPE GM Liu Wei said on March 13th that Fuqing Unit 6 is progressing smoothly. The current plan is to attach the containment dome after March 20th – sometime between 21st and 23rd, depending on the weather. Once the dome is topped off, Fuqing Unit 6 will enter the peak phase of installation.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 03/05 - 03/09

NEA: 6-8 FCDs Planned This Year

The National Energy Administration released the 2018 Energy Work Guidance on March 7th, stating that it will continue to work on the issue of regional nuclear power curtailment. The guidance also indicates that efforts will be made to boost and support the progress of NPPs under construction. Sanmen Unit 1, Haiyang Unit 1, Taishan Unit 1, Tianwan Unit 3*, and Yangjiang Unit 5 are planned to be completed this year, which will add 6 MKW of new installed capacity. Approved NPP projects will also receive support and promotion, including 6-8 FCDs that are planned to go through this year.

Nicobar Notes: Tianwan Unit 3 has been connected to the grid since last December and began commercial operation in February 2018.

CNNC President Wang Shoujun: Appeal the NEA to Permit More New Builds

March 7th was the fifth day of the “two sessions,” the annual meetings of the national legislature and the top political advisory body. CNNC President Wang Shoujun told a journalist that “the Going Out of Hualong One is (only) truly realized in Pakistan. We exported three Hualong One units to Pakistan and two of them are under construction. We are having promising conversations with Argentina and Jordan and some other countries. We are being optimistic and hoping that we will sign contracts with these two countries this year... I appeal to the NEA to issue permits to new NPP projects.”

CNNC Increases Budget for Fuqing Unit 3 & 4

The original preliminary design budget for Fuqing Unit 3 & 4 was CNY 22.792 billion. Due to the post-Fukushima upgrades in safety standards, as well as the delay of equipment supply, the original allotted budget is proving to be inadequate to cover funds. The Electric Power Planning & Engineering Institute (EPPEI) was entrusted to evaluate the proposed changes to the original budget. The budget has been increased to CNY 24.31 billion.

Dongfang Electric Received Hinkley Point C’s Equipment Purchase Order

On March 1st, 2018, Dongfang Electric received equipment purchase orders for Hinkley Point C from Framatome and GE. Under those contracts, Dongfang Electric will provide steam generator supports, pressurizer supports, RCP supports, and the steam turbine generator’s LP outer casing. It marks a breakthrough for Dongfang Electric’s vision of Going Out; it is now fully capable of exporting equipment to high-end markets in developed countries.

Ling Long One, the CNNC Design of the SMR Demonstration Project, Passed Preliminary Design Inspection

CNNC announced that the Changjiang Small Modular Reactor (SMR) demonstration project that uses the self-developed Ling Long One (ACP100) reactor design has recently passed the preliminary design inspection. This signifies that CNNC has a firm grasp on Gen III small reactor design with complete proprietary intellectual property rights, which lays the foundation for future engineering application of SMRs.

China is Conducting Space Nuclear Power Studies

Liu Zhirang, Dean of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation’s Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, introduced during the “two sessions” that the Academy is working with other Chinese design and research institutes to conduct studies on space nuclear power projects and relevant key technologies, such as nuclear heating and nuclear power. These projects are intended to expand the scope of technologies used in future space missions.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 02/25 - 03/04

CNNC Annual Performance Meeting: More Emphasis on Marine Nuclear Projects, Sanmen Unit 1 Grid Connection Pushed to Fall 2018

At a recently-held CNNC annual performance meeting, which also introduced targets for 2018, CNNC stated that its marine nuclear projects will receive more future support. Marine development is currently a part of national strategy planning, and China now has a firm grasp on marine nuclear technology. CNNC will start work on two related items: 1) a proposal to build nuclear powered icebreaker ships for arctic exploration purposes, and 2) a separate proposal to bolster nuclear power-based applications in coastal and island locations, such as those used for heating, gas, and water. In response to Sanmen Unit 1’s progress, CNNC said that the Chinese government is being extremely cautious with the decision to allow fuel-loading as it is the world’s first AP1000 unit. Sanmen Unit 1 is expected to undergo many more rounds of testing and experimentation after the fuel load. Grid connection is projected to be accomplished by fall 2018 or in early 2019. 

SPIC Approved to Compile the New IEC 63186 Standards on NPP Seismic Outage System Design

Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research and Design Institute (SNERDI), the R&D subsidiary of SPIC, was recently approved to compile the new International Electrotechnical Commission’s 63186 NPP Standards – Important Safety Instrumentation and Control Systems – Seismic Outage System Design Recommendations. Contributing to the international standards of the ISO and IEC is a significant breakthrough for the Chinese nuclear industry. It also marks the Chinese nuclear industry’s switch from being a mere follower in this field to becoming a leader.

Jiangsu ENTC Nuclear Technology Won the Bid to Supply Taishan Unit 2’s NI Mechanical Seal Materials

Jiangsu ENTC Nuclear Technology announced recently that it won both first and second section project bids to supply mechanical seal materials for the nuclear island (NI) of Taishan Unit 2. The contract is with Taishan Nuclear Power Joint Venture Company, Taishan NPP’s operation and management (O&M) company co-invested by CGN, EDF, and Guangdong YUDEAN Group. This was also the first bid of its type (large displacement piping for the biological shield) to be fully localized, signaling the end of only foreign companies dominating this area of the market.

Hongyanhe NPP’s Active Radiation Monitoring System Passes NNSA Inspection

On February 26th, the Northeast Nuclear and Radiation Inspection Station of the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) held an examination conference for Hongyanhe NPP’s active radiation monitoring system on behalf of the NNSA. The inspection group conducted a comprehensive examination by reviewing documents, holding site surveys, reviewing items monitored, and interviewing NPP staff. The conference concluded with the active radiation monitoring system passing the inspection and receiving the greenlight to begin operation.

Fuqing Unit 5 & 6 Had a Successful First Backfeeding

On March 2nd, CNNC’s HPR1000 demonstration project, Fuqing Unit 5 & 6 underwent a successful first-time 220 kV backfeeding. This has set the stage for subsequent installation and commissioning work. Power backfeeding is usually needed during the later stages of power station construction when consuming large amounts of power prior to power generation.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – February 2018

Construction of the Fuel Building’s Main Structure at Fuqing Unit 5 is Completed

On the early morning of February 12th, Fuqing Unit 5’s 36.5m panel at the fuel building underwent its final concrete pour, marking the completion of the hall’s main structure. The fuel building is the area where fuel rods are loaded and unloaded, and where the fuel storage system is operated. The building is a rectangular plant to the south of the containment building, which it is attached to. The hall has many internal structures, including the refueling pool, spent fuel pool cooling and processing systems, and service water system.

Construction of the Containment Building Internal Structure at Fuqing Unit 6 is Completed

On February 11th, the last concrete panel of the primary equipment compartments above the 16.5 m platform at Fuqing Unit 6 was poured, marking the completion of the containment building internal structure. The compartments, which are used to protect major components within the containment building, will eventually contain a pressurizer, water tanks for the external reactor vessel cooling (ERVC) system, as well as evaporators. The completion of the structure paves the way for the introduction and installation of the equipment mentioned above.

Sluice Gate Components Shipped for Karachi Unit 2 (K2), the First HPR1000 Outside China

On February 6th, the sluice gate frames for K2 were shipped from China Nuclear Industry Fifth Construction Company (CNEC5), a subsidiary of China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Group Corporation (CNEC) that recently merged with CNNC. The frames are the first set of components of K2’s sluice gate project. It is also the first time CNEC5 was contracted for an NPP sluice gate project.

Inspection Conference for the Preliminary Design of Changjiang Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Demonstration Project Held in Beijing

The inspection conference for the preliminary design of the Changjiang SMR demonstration project was held in Beijing from February 8th to 10th. The examination report finds that the preliminary design in in compliance with all safety regulations, rules, guidance, and standards. Comments and suggestions on corrective actions and further work were also provided. The Changjiang SMR demonstration project, which has already obtained permission from the National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC), is a first-of-its-kind project in China. It uses the CNNC ACP100 design, also known as the “Ling Long One” design.

IAEA Technical Cooperation (TC) Programme’s Fourth International Experts Meeting Held in Beijing

The IAEA’s 2016-2017 Technical Cooperation (TC) Programme’s Fourth Experts Meeting was held at the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) in Beijing from January 29th to February 2nd. Experts from ROSATOM’s Pilot and Demonstration Center for Decommissioning of Uranium-Graphite Nuclear Reactors (PDC UGR), the Romanian National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), the Ignalina NPP in Lithuania, CIAE’s decommissioning related departments, and the IAEA program officer met to discuss two topics: 1) the dismounting, packaging, and storage of radioactive graphite; and 2) NPP decommissioning and demolition technology.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 02/11 - 02/16

CGN Power Plans on Listing on Shenzhen Stock Exchange

CGN Power Ltd, a CGN Group subsidiary currently listed on Hong Kong stock exchange, announced on February 11th that it plans to raise up to $794 million from a domestic listing on the Shenzhen stock exchange. CGN Power will offer up to 5.05 billion shares at 1 yuan per share, an equivalent of 10% of the company’s total shares. The proposal has received approval from the company’s board but is still awaiting approval from shareholders and regulatory authorities. CGN Power said the money raised will be used for the construction of Yangjiang Units 5 & 6, as well as Fangchenggang Units 3 & 4. Payback periods are usually drawn-out for projects like NPP construction, which also requires a very high upfront investment. CGN needs the funds to increase its liquidity.

Premier Li Keqiang Met with Westinghouse VP William Poirier

Premier Li Keqiang met with foreign experts in Beijing before the Chinese Lunar New Year. William Poirier, Westinghouse’s Vice President for China Projects, was invited among 60 other attendees. While stressing that China needs to continue to open its doors to the outside world to introduce foreign expertise and technology, Li listened to the experts’ discussion about their current business in China. Poirier gave a talk about the future role of nuclear power in China.

Chinese Power Industry SOEs will Further Ownership Reform

As the 2018 new year working conferences took place for Chinese power industry SOEs, some have listed furthering ownership reforms and restructuring as one of their goals. SPIC will initiate a pilot program based on a mixed ownership reform through asset securitization and debt-to-equity swaps. Huaneng also said that it will further reform via diversification of its stock ownership. A representative of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) Peng Huagang revealed earlier that marketization of SOE operations will be carried out in a broader sense through various mechanisms, with one example being the introduction of private capital to SOE ownership.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 02/05 - 02/09

CGN is Authorized to Develop China’s First Nuclear Power Heating Project

In a recent symposium on nuclear heating in Northern China, NNSA issued its approval for CGN together with Tsinghua University to develop China’s first nuclear heating project. The two parties will begin a series of preliminary works, including site selection, land use, water supply, emergency response, public communications, etc. There have been many cases of nuclear heating projects around the world and China has ample preparatory work on related research and studies. A low-temperature heating reactor is a product of integrated design with high safety. It has great potential market demand and can be applied in various fields. For example, it can be used in power supply, heating, water and gas supply to provide heating for communities and industrial parks, as well as comprehensive power supply in remote areas.

CNNC: Merge with CNECC will Complete Our Industry Value Chain, will Accelerate the Pace of “Going Out”

China National Nuclear Company (CNNC) held a press conference on February 9th where the spokesperson Mr. Pan Jianming responded to the interests and concerns over CNNC’s merger with China Nuclear Energy Construction Company (CNEC). On January 31st, SASAC announced that CNNC will be absorbing CNEC (without compensation) and CNEC will no longer listed as an independent SOE supervised by SASAC. CNEC was the world’s only enterprise with a continuous three-decade record of focusing on NPP construction. It is capable of building forty nuclear units at the same time. For its part CNNC has comprehensive nuclear technology capabilities. The merger allows CNNC to complete a full value chain in the nuclear industry. The merger helps to integrate the resources of both sides and will accelerate the pace of exporting nuclear technology. Mr. Pan also delivered an update on situation of the four HPR1000 sthat CNNC is building in China and Pakistan: all the units are under construction on schedule and are currently in the installation phase. He also reviewed CNNC’s work in the international market last year, including the contracts to build a HWR and a HPR1000 in Argentina, the agreement to cooperate with Saudi Arabia on Thorium resources and the establishment of the Global Innovation Nuclear Energy Technology Company which is a joint venture with TerraPower to develop the Gen IV Traveling Wave Reactor (TWR).

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 01/29 - 02/02

Tianwan Unit 3 is now Operating at Full-power

On January 30th, 2018 Tianwan Unit 3 had its power output increased to 100%, thereby achieving full-power operation. Tianwan 3 was connected to the grid on December 30th, 2017, and was last year’s first and only grid connection achieved by an under-construction NPP in China.

Hinkley Point C Project Progressing Well

The Hinkley Point C project, China’s largest energy investment focus in Europe, has been steadily progressing forward. Since the signing of the contract project between EDF, CGN, and the British government, fifteen Chinese companies have already passed the project qualification inspection, 7 of which are sub-contractors. The project itself is progressing well, and of note, CGN has invested GBP 1.8 million to date. The project site has an area the size of 245 soccer pitches, and is currently the largest construction site in Europe. Meanwhile, the Sizewell C and the Bradwell B projects are in the early preparation stage with geological studies being carried out at the Bradwell B site. In addition, the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process that was initiated for the HPR1000 design in January 2017 is now in its second phase. It is expected that the HPR1000 will enter phase III of the GDA process at the end of this year.

The World’s First HPR1000 RPV Installed at Fuqing Unit 5

Fuqing Unit 5’s RPV was successfully installed on January 28th. This component is the first RPV that China maintains proprietary intellectual rights over. The successful installation paves a clear road for subsequent installation work.

Sanmen Unit 2 Finished Hot Testing

On January 31st, the AP1000 at Sanmen Unit 2 finished hot testing and entered the preparation phase prior to fuel-loading. The hot testing period lasted for 77 days and included various evaluations such as a reactor coolant system dynamics and vibration effects assessment, an RCP hot performance assessment, a passive automatic depressurization system reliability assessment, and others. The effectiveness of Sanmen Unit 2’s primary systems, safety systems, and auxiliary systems was fully verified during the hot testing period.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 01/22 - 01/26

A New Domestic First! Construction Begins for CNNC’s Indigenously Developed NPP “Central Nervous System” Simulator

The nuclear safety grade digital control system used by nuclear reactors is akin to the “central nervous system” of a nuclear power plant. The Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC), a subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Company (CNNC),  recently developed China’s first indigenous military/civil nuclear reactor DCS platform simulator, which has now successfully begun construction following approval from the National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA). This is yet another achievement for CNNC, which was realized through persistent innovation and a strategy centered around joint military/civil development. This signifies that China’s civil nuclear reactor safety grade DCS has made a transitional leap from the design stage to the production stage.

First HPR1000's Conventional Island TG Stator Lowered into Position

At 2:58pm on January 19th, the CI’s heaviest component, the turbine generator stator, was successfully lowered into position at the Fuqing Unit 5 HPR1000 demonstration plant, setting the foundation for the subsequent turbine generator installation. Lifted by a 466.5-ton single-hook crane, the stators for Fuqing Unit 5’s TGs weigh in at 455 tons, making it the heaviest component at the site.

The World’s First HPR1000 RPV Now in Place!

At 5:07pm on January 28th, the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for Fuqing Unit 5 was successfully hoisted into place. After the positioning of the RPV, other components may be installed, like the RPV nozzle insulation, paving the way for welding of the primary piping.

The RPV is the core element of the nuclear reactor, serving an important safety shielding purpose. The RPV allows the nuclear reactor to sustain chain reaction under a controllable loading of heat and pressure. Compared with its Gen II counterparts, the HPR1000 RPV is more advanced in terms of design, material production, welding, and final machining, not to mention its heightened manufacturing standards.

The RPV was developed and designed by Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC), with China First Heavy Industries (CFHI) tasked with the manufacture.

The installation work was streamed live by CCTV (China Central Television).

Strategic Insights Inc. and Nicobar Group Team Up in Strategic Partnership Agreement, Allowing Customers to Expand their Reach into China, the U.S. and Canada

TORONTO, SHANGHAI (January 29, 2018) – North American-based Strategic Insights Inc. and China-based Nicobar Group Ltd. today announced an exclusive partnership agreement. The availability of integrated business development services will allow customers to benefit from streamlined approaches for lead generation and market intelligence in the nuclear energy market in all three countries.

The partnership is a strong strategic fit, leveraging the two leading companies’ respective strengths, across three main areas:

• First, Strategic Insights and Nicobar have both developed processes to enhance and expedite the expansion of sales of products and services in the nuclear sector. Strategic Insights Inc. will take the lead in using these methodologies to serve customers in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. and Nicobar will take the lead in serving customers in China and other Asian countries.

• Second, both companies plan to use their combined resources to provide a “one-stop shop” for companies looking to have a strategically aligned business development approach across countries with some of the fastest growing nuclear energy needs.

• Finally, Strategic Insights. and Nicobar have published highly regarded reports in the nuclear industry in their jurisdictions, including reports on country developments, advanced and small modular reactors, life extensions and waste management. The partnership allows customers to benefit from enhanced access to these and future market intelligence products.

“Today’s announcement is another solid step towards our mission of providing actionable market intelligence and business development support to every decision-maker in the nuclear energy industry,” said Strategic Insights CEO T. Rosemary Yeremian. “China is a vibrant and important market that our customers in North America are looking to expand into with the help of Nicobar.”

“We’re very pleased and fortunate to have found a partner with whom we have such strong and natural synergies” said Nicobar Group Director James Stovall. “We’re looking forward to working with Strategic Insights to establish a robust model for commercial cooperation between the Chinese and North American nuclear industries, and exploring new opportunities in developing nuclear sectors around the world.”

To learn more about how the partnership of Strategic Insights Inc. and Nicobar Group can assist in the nuclear sector, companies are invited to visit our websites: https://strategicinsights.ca/ or http://www.nicobargroup.com/

About Strategic Insights Inc.

Strategic Insights Inc. is a market intelligence and advisory firm that specializes in the nuclear energy and electricity sectors. Strategic Insights offers a full complement of research and advisory services and also publishes a suite of market outlooks and forecasts.

Contact:

Rosemary Yeremian
Strategic Insights Inc.
Phone: 1-647-881-7488
rosemary@strategicinsights.ca

About Nicobar Group Ltd.

Nicobar Group is a niche business consultancy specializing in the China nuclear power market. Headquartered in Shanghai, Nicobar’s services includes China market intelligence, market entry support, strategy development, project management, China lead generation and China supply chain and sourcing for the nuclear industry.

Contact:

James Stovall
Nicobar Group Ltd.
Phone: +86 155 0216 4855
james.stovall@nicobargroup.com

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 01/15 - 01/19

Multiple Key Components Installed at Fuqing Unit 5

On January 15th, following the introduction of each of Fuqing Unit 5’s three steam generators, each of the three RCP cases were also hoisted into position. The first two RCP cases were put into place on December 10th, 2017, and January 14th, 2018 respectively, with the following installed on the 15th. On the afternoon of January 19th, the conventional island (CI) turbine generator stator was installed. The stator is the heaviest component within the CI hall and one of the key components of the turbine generator. The stator was manufactured by Dongfang Electric Machinery Company.

“Nuclear Power Equipment On-line Monitoring and Intelligent Diagnosis Laboratory” Established at SNPI

The unveiling ceremony of the “Nuclear Power Equipment On-line Monitoring and Intelligent Diagnosis Laboratory” was held at Suzhou Nuclear Power Institute (SNPI) on January 12th. The lab is affiliated with the Ministry of Science and Technology’s State Nuclear Power Plant Safety and Security Engineering Technology Research Center at SNPI. Ningde NPP, Harbin Engineering University, and North China Electric Power University are all co-founders of the lab. The lab will run new algorithms using big data derived from operational NPPS to provide intelligent monitoring services for fleet units. Following the unveiling ceremony, Unit 1 of Ling’ao phase II and Ningde Unit 1 will become the pilot units used to build intelligent monitoring models.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 01/08 - 01/12

Xi and Macron Attend the Nameplate Unveiling Ceremony for Taishan Unit 1, the World’s First EPR Unit

On the afternoon of January 9th, 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled the nameplate of Taishan Unit 1, as the world’s first EPR (European Pressurized Reactor), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Taishan Unit 1 began construction in 2009 and Unit 2 poured its “first concrete” in 2010. They were, at the time, the third and fourth EPR units to begin construction in the world. Taishan NPP is constructed and operated by Taishan Nuclear Power Joint Venture Company Limited (TNPC), a joint venture owned by CGN, EDF, and Guangdong Yudean Group. It is the largest Sino-French energy cooperation project.

All Three Steam Generators in Place at Fuqing HPR1000 Unit

On January 7th, the third steam generator of Fuqing Unit 5 was successfully topped off. With the completion of the installation, all three HPR1000 demonstration project’s steam generators are now in place. The third steam generator was introduced onto the NI’s 16.5 m platform on December 28th, 2017, and was prepared for installation during the ten days following. The installation began at 8:00 am, January 7th, 2018. The steam generator was then turned and placed upright, had its clasp buckles removed, accessories installed, and was finally topped off on the vertical stands.

Fangchenggang Unit 3’s Personnel Airlock Shipped to Site

The first personnel airlock module of CGN’s HRP1000 demonstration project was shipped from Dalian Baoyuan Nuclear Equipment Co., Ltd. on January 5th. It lays a solid foundation for subsequent installation of the containment dome. The personnel airlock will be placed on the platform, which is elevated +1.20m, inside the containment building. It allows passage of personnel and small equipment without breaking the seal of the containment building during plant operation or hot shutdown.

Qinshan NPP’s First Outage in 2018 Completed

Fangjiashan Unit 2 successfully resumed grid connection at 2:18 pm on January 4th, marking the completion of its third refueling outage. The outage, which began in 2017, was Qinshan’s seventh outage, and the first of this year. The outage lasted for 33.9 days after the unit was taken off-line from the eastern China power grid on December 1st, 2017, and was finished 4.1 days ahead of the original schedule.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 01/01 - 01/05

Prestress Platform of World’s First HPR1000 Delivered to Fuqing NPP

The prestress platform for Fuqing Unit 5 was delivered on January 2nd. It paves the way for subsequent work such as installation and commissioning. The prestress engineering needs to meet the functional requirements for the tendons, tensioning and grouting. The engineers must also manage their work within the limited space inside the containment shell, and complete the complex tasks while avoiding contact with the other equipment already installed. The prestress platform is the most optimized of its type within China’s nuclear industry in terms of size, extent of integration, and convenience of engineering operations. It increases the efficiency of the prestress engineering operations and lowers its impact on other ongoing engineering operations.

Manufacturing of Xudapu Phase I’s Mechanical Modules Begins

The opening ceremony for Xudapu NPP Phase I’s mechanical module manufacturing project was recently held within the 1st Work Division of Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC, a subsidiary of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation). This is the first nuclear safety-grade equipment manufacturing project awarded to DSIC after receiving its HAF 601 nuclear safety certification. The project will result in 90 mechanical modules to be used at Xudapu Units 1&2, which are built by China Nuclear Power Engineering Company (CNPE). There are 14 nuclear safety-grade modules, including one nuclear Safety-Class 1 component. Some of the primary components include structural frames, piping, cable conduits, air ducts, valves, pressure vessels, etc., weighing a total of approximately 900 tons. The largest module, designated as “Q601” (a safety-class 1 module), has a size of 4709 X 5137 X 9763 mm and weighs 55 tons by itself.

Tianwan Unit 3 Successfully Connected to the Grid

On December 30th, 2017, the generator circuit breaker for Tianwan Unit 3 was officially switched on, marking the unit’s first successful connection to the grid. This is the ninth time CNPE has served as an EPC contractor for an NPP that has been fully built and connected to the grid. Tianwan Unit 3 uses Russian VVER 1000 / 428 PWR technology, which was permitted as China’s “NPP icebreaker” after the Fukushima accident. The reactor design was contracted to Atomstroyexport, Russia’s nuclear power equipment and service exporter. CNPE served as the CI and BOP designer and EPC contractor, while CNNC’s Jiangsu Nuclear Power Company performed the commissioning work.

China’s First Gen IV Fast Reactor Quietly Pours First Concrete – First and Only FCD of 2017

On December 29th, CNNC published the news on its company website that its sodium-cooled fast reactor pilot project in Xiapu, Fujian Province, began construction earlier that day. It was the only nuclear project initiated in 2017, as well as the first since 2015. According to CNNC, the fast reactor project is a key part of China’s “Three-step Strategy” for nuclear power development, which includes constructing thermal neutron reactors, fast breeder reactors, and finally controlled fission reactors.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 12/11 - 12/15

The Bradwell B Project Begins Geological Survey for NPP Site

On December 11th, the Bradwell B (BRB) project, where China’s HPR1000 export in Britain will be built, began its geological survey for the NPP site. It is the first on-site “ground work” of the project and an important step toward formal construction. According to Mr. Zhen Dongshan, General Manager of CGN’s project companies in Britain, primary work at this stage is to obtain field data for seismic analysis, including measurements of seismic refraction, microseism, seismic reflection, resistivity, etc. The BRB site is located on the Essex coast near London and is close to the Bradwell A NPP which is under decommissioning.

Key Installation Milestones Reached for HPR1000s at Fuqing NPP

First commissioning task for Fuqing Unit 5 was completed on the afternoon of December 12th. It marks that Fuqing Unit 5 is now at the stage of comprehensive commissioning. The first commissioning is the “TP7LBO12 direct current switchboard logic simulation test,” simulating various fault scenarios to verify their respective alarm signals. Engineers from CNNC’s China Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation (CNPEC) conducted the commissioning.

As of mid-December, the HPR1000s at Fuqing NPP have progressed smoothly. Fuqing Unit 5 accomplished successful installation of the first RCP’s pump shell, and Fuqing Unit 6 has completed civil construction on the reactor building internal silo.

New Development on the Sanming NPP in Fujian Province

On December 8th, Wang Chaoteng, Vice GM of Sanming Nuclear Power Co., Ltd, and Xiao Yuqin, Deputy County Mayor of Jiangle Country, signed the Strategic Cooperation Framework between Sanming Nuclear Power Company and Jaingle County Government together. The framework states that both sides will promote the Sanming NPP project as well as the economic development in Jiangle County; they will also commit to environmental protection, NPP site protection, public education campaign, and information exchange with local residents.

2018 Shanghai Direct Electricity Sales Plan Released, 1 Billion kWh Quota for Nuclear Power

Last Thursday (December 14th), the Shanghai Development and Reform Commission, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, and East China Energy Regulatory Bureau of National Energy Administration jointly released the 2018 Direct Electricity Sales Work Plan for Electricity Customers and Power Generation Enterprises in Shanghai. The plan estimates that approximately 15-billion kWh’s amount of power will be sold in Shanghai’s direct electricity sales market next year. Nuclear Power Qinshan Joint Operation Company and Qinshan Third Nuclear Power Company, Qinshan Phase II & III’s operator and owners, will have a quota of 1-billion kWh’s amount of power in the electricity market. Nuclear power is still a small share of the market comparing to the 15-billion kWh amount designated to China Yangzi Power, a subsidiary of China Three Gorges Corporation and a hydropower utility. The primary trading mechanisms include annual bilateral negotiation, annual listed trading, and annual centralized auction. Mid-term or short-term trades will also be performed based on real-time market demand.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 12/04 - 12/08

No. 1 Steam Generator of the World’s First HPR1000 Installed at Fuqing Unit 5

On November 28th, the first steam generator (ZH-65) was successfully installed at Fuqing Unit 5. The steam generator is indigenously designed and developed by Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC). The successful installation hits a new milestone for primary equipment installation and paves the way for subsequent work.

China’s First Gen III NPP May Begin Commercial Operation Next Year

State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) had its first Open House day last week in Beijing. The corporation in charge of the AP1000 technical transfer said that Sanmen Unit 1, China’s first Gen III NPP, is in the final pre-fueling preparation stage and will hopefully begin commercial operation next year. As of the end of this month, China has 56 nuclear power units in total, 37 of which are in operation. Among the 19 units under construction, there are four AP1000s. The indigenously developed CAP1400 demonstration project is also in the works. The CAP1400 project is one of the 16 National Science and Technology Major Projects. A single CAP1400 unit can generate 11.4 billion kWh worth of power annually, while the NPP and its primary equipment have a designated service life of 60 years. The CAP1400 is much safer than older generation nuclear technologies. The passive safety design assures a 72-hour non-interference safe period following a power outage.

CGN Looks to Opt Out of Direct Electricity Sales Market in Guangdong Next Year

The Government of Guangdong Province announced in August that nuclear power will take part in electricity sales through market-based mechanisms in 2018. China General Nuclear, China’s nuclear power magnet and the owner of all NPPs in Guangdong Province, said this month that it would rather not immediately participate in the newly reformed market. CGN is proposing an alternative plan instead by which it will surrender a portion of profit to the government in return for guaranteed fixed price & volume of grid-connection power. Experts comment that it is a reasonable move for CGN to act in such a conservative manner. However, Guangdong has great electricity demand, and the market mechanism there is relatively transparent and well enforced. Therefore, CGN could totally figure out a profitable price in the market given its negotiating power in the province of its base camp. At this point, the proposed plan is negotiated by concerned parties and it is unclear whether it will be accepted or not.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 11/27 - 12/01

Key Installation Milestones Reached for China’s HPR1000 Builds

On November 28th, the steam generator of Fuqing Unit 5, the world’s first HPR1000, was lowered into the equipment room. After being maneuvered through the 16.5m2 gantry platform on November 10th, it was unpacked and equipped with lifting components. It was fully lifted and ready to be installed after 18 days of preparation. As a primary equipment of the NI, the steam generator having completed the preparation work for installation is a significant developmental marker of the project. It also paves the way for subsequent work, like welding of the primary pipes.

For China’s international HPR1000 build in Pakistan, a welding machine officially went to work at Karachi Unit 2’s NI plant hall on November 23rd local time. It took 53 minutes and 56 seconds to finish the backing weld, marking the beginning of the primary pipe welding of China’s first HPR1000 export, at Karachi. The K-2 project is built by China Nuclear Industry Fifth Construction Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of CNNC. K-2 is also the first among all the HPR1000 projects under construction around the globe to start primary pipe welding.

China’s First Nuclear Generator Renovation Design Passed Assessment Inspection

Shanghai Electric has recently organized an assessment and inspection conference for the renovation design of the No.1 generator at Qinshan Unit 1. The expert panel comments that “the renovation design and update plan will realize the purpose of capacity increase and life extension. The renovated generator will perform well, have a reliable structure, and allow for convenient operation and maintenance. The design surpasses requirements and standards in both domestic and international markets.” Qinshan NPP is the first nuclear plant in China that was indigenously designed, developed, constructed, and operated. The main generator is a 310MW double inner water-cooled turbo-generator produced by Shanghai Electric Machine Corporation, which was originally designed for 30 years’ usage. It has been operated smoothly and steadily for over 25 years since the NPP was connected to the grid on December 15th, 1991.

First Marine Nuclear Power Platform Will Start Construction Soon

The 2017 Annual Conference of Hubei Province’s Shipping and Marine Engineering Equipment Academician Work Center was held in Wuhan on November 26th. It was announced during the meeting that the marine nuclear power platform, a part of the shipping and marine engineering equipment major project within Hubei Province’s “Thirteenth Five-year Plan,” is about to start construction following the imminent completion of its design work. The first platform is expected to begin operations prior to 2020. A marine nuclear power platform is a small NPP on the sea, which could either be floating or submersible. It will power off-shore oil-drilling platforms as well as facilities on islands and reefs, and become an important part of China’s territorial water infrastructure.

Test of First DN450 Explosion Valve for CAP1400 A Success

The DN450 explosion valve, which will be used in the CAP1400 demonstration unit, passed the hot opening testing on November 22nd. It marks the CAP explosion valve series has passed inspection, and signifies that the indigenous development and manufacture work was successful. The explosion valve testing was run at SPIC’s Central Research Institute. The prototype was jointly developed and manufactured by Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research and Design Institute, Dalian DV Valve Corporation, and Haitian Group in Sichuan.

CNNC Released “Yanlong,” a Self-developed Low Temperature Heating Reactor

Concluding on November 28th, a pool-style light-water reactor – part of the demonstration heating reactor project – was safely operated for 168 hours, and successfully provided heating for the China Institute of Atomic Energy complex, comprising a total area of about 10000 m2. CNNC released Yanlong, the self-developed pool-style low temperature heating reactor, in Beijing on the same day. Yanlong also has the codename of “DHR-400” because it is a 400MW district heating reactor. According to CNNC, a 400MW Yanlong reactor is able to heat up an area of 20 million square meters, an equivalent of two hundred thousand 3-bedroom apartments.

University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Establishes New School of Nuclear Science &Technology

Approved by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) is establishing a new School of Nuclear Science and Technology for both teaching and research purposes. The school building is led by a joint force of CAS’ Institute of Modern Physics (Lanzhou), Institute of High Energy Physics (Beijing), Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, and Institute of Theoretical Physics (Beijing). The unveiling ceremony of the new school was held at UCAS on November 29th in Beijing.

Nuclear News Weekly Roundup – 11/20 - 11/24

Contract Signed for Third HPR1000 Export

On November 21st, the contract for Chashma Unit 5 (aka the C-5 project) was signed between Wang Shoujun, chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), and Muhammad Naeem, chairman of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). The contract specifies that CNNC will build an HPR1000 unit with a capacity of at least 1 GWe for Chashma NPP. It will be the third HPR1000 to be exported, following the two units currently under construction in Karachi (K2 and K3). Chashma Unit 5 will be the seventh reactor unit that China exports to Pakistan.

Haiyang Unit 2’s RCPs Installation Complete, Jogged Successfully

The four RCPs of Haiyang Unit 2, the AP1000 project, were successfully jogged for the first time on November 18th. At this point, all of the RCPs of the two AP1000 projects at Sanmen and Haiyang are ready to operate. Completion of this step lays the foundation for the next steps in the commissioning process: cold hydraulic testing and hot functional testing of the primary coolant system.

‘Heart’ of Fuqing Unit 5’s CI Completed

The operating floor of the turbine foundation block for Fuqing Unit 5, the world’s first HPR1000 reactor, was completed on November 17th. It took China Nuclear Industry 24th Construction Company, a subsidiary of China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Corporation (CNEC), nearly 33 hours to pour a total volume of 2400 m3 concrete. This was the next major milestone of this FOAK unit following the topping-off of the reactor dome itself, and the most important concrete-pouring milestone since the first concrete was poured for the CI plant hall. It paves the way for the subsequent installation of key equipment including stators, condensers, and the steam generator turbine.

Sanmen HTGR Project’s Pre-feasibility Study Report Passed Milestone Inspection

Under contract by the CNEC High Temperature Reactor Holdings Corporation (CNECHTR), China’s domestic Electric Power Planning & Engineering Institute (EPPEI) organized an inspection meeting for the pre-feasibility study report of CNEC’s Sanmen high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) project. The meeting was held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, from November 16th to 17th. The pre-feasibility report passed this inspection, hitting an important milestone for the commercialization and development of building HTGR projects on (conventional) thermal power plant sites. It is a revolutionary idea and brand-new low-carbon strategy to replace thermal power plants with HTGRs. The replacement will benefit the economy in multiple ways, including value appreciation of state-owned assets and better utilization of (conventional) thermal power plants. It will also serve political purposes, for example, mitigating the conflicts for local governments to balance between environmental protection and emissions reductions on the one hand, and economic development and social stability on the other hand.