Cold functional tests have been completed at unit 1 of China’s San’ao NPP in Zhejiang province, according to China General Nuclear (CGN). The aim of the tests is to verify the leak-tightness of the primary circuit and components (pressure vessels, pipelines and valves of both the nuclear and conventional islands) and to clean the main circulation pipes. The tests are the first time the reactor systems are operated together with the auxiliary systems.
“The primary circuit pressure boundary of the unit was intact and well sealed, marking the full transition of the nuclear power unit from the installation stage to the commissioning stage,” CGN said.
The San’ao plant is China’s first nuclear power project with private equity participation. The project includes plans to build six units with Hualong One reactors. In May 2015, the National Energy Administration approved the project to carry out site protection and related demonstration work at San’ao. China’s National Nuclear Safety Administration issued a construction permit units 1&2 in December 2020 and construction of unit 1 began immediately. Construction of unit 2 began in December 2021.
The two units are scheduled to start supplying electricity in 2026 and 2027. Geely Technology Group has a 2% stake in the plant. CGN owns a 46% stake in project company Cangnan Nuclear Power, with the rest of the shares owned by other state-owned enterprises.
