The reactor vessel and steam generator for unit 4 of China’s Xudabao NPP in Liaoning Province have been shipped from the Atommash plant (the Volgodonsk branch of AEM-Technologies, part of Rosatom’s mechanical engineering division Atomenergomash). This is the second large batch dispatched this year of nuclear equipment for NPPs under construction in China with Rosatom’s assistance.
The total weight of the latest equipment was than 660 tonnes. The delivery will be carried out in a combined manner: by road, river and sea. The 320-tonne reactor vessel body has a length of about 13 metres, and a diameter of 4.5 meres. The 340-tonne steam generator is more than 4 metres in diameter and about 15 metres long.
The Xudabao project was originally expected to comprise six CAP1000 reactors – the Chinese version of the Westinghouse AP1000 – with units 1 and 2 in the first phase. However, plans changed, and two VVER-1200 reactors were designated for Xudabao 3&4. Two CAP1000 reactors are planned for Xudabao 1&2. Construction of unit 1 began in November 2023.
At Xudabao 3&4 Rosatom is designing the nuclear island, supplying key equipment, as well as providing field supervision, installation supervision, and commissioning services for the supplied equipment. Turbine generators and balance of plant will be supplied by China. Construction of Xudabao 3 began in July 2021, and unit 4 in May 2022. The commissioning of the units is scheduled for 2027-2028.
“Currently, at the enterprises of Rosatom’s Engineering Division, at different stages of manufacture, there is equipment for 14 nuclear for NPPs in Russia and abroad,” said Igor Kotov, head of Rosatom’s Engineering Division. “The coordinated work of the construction workers makes it possible to ship equipment in accordance with the contract terms, and in the future to increase production in line with growing demand for nuclear power in the world.”
Maxim Zhidkov, head of the Atommash plant noted: “We already have a proven system of effective cooperation with Chinese partners, which allows us to quickly consider and solve all possible issues related to production processes. This allows for accurate execution of the work schedule and unconditional compliance with the requirements of international standards for the quality and safety of complex nuclear equipment.”
