First concrete was poured for unit 4 of China’s Xudabao NPP in Huludao, Liaoning province, on 19 May. It is one of four VVER-1200 reactors being built in China by Rosatom in China under a 2018 agreement. In parallel with this, the construction of unit 3 is progressing and by the middle of the year, the reactor building will be more than 8 metres high.

In June 2018, Russia and China signed four agreements for the construction of two VVER-1200 reactors as units 7&8 at the Tianwan NPP in Jiangsu province and two more to be built as units 3&4 at the new Xudabao NPP site Further agreements signed in June 2019 included a general contract for the construction Xudabao 3&4, as well as a contract for the supply of nuclear fuel. Rosatom will design the nuclear island and supply key equipment, as well as provide installation supervision and commissioning services for the equipment. Turbine generators for the plants will be supplied by China. The power units are expected to be commissioned in 2027-2028.

The following day, on 20 May, Germany-based Nukem Technologies (part of Rosatom) said it had won a contract from Aerosun Corporation for the design of equipment for the future complex for processing solid radioactive waste at Xudabao. The contract also includes the purchase and supply of selected equipment, as well as technical and installation supervision services for the installation and commissioning of process systems.

The equipment will be used to treat liquid radioactive waste (such as spent tar, activated carbon, residues and sludge) and dry waste (such as discarded fabric, plastic, rubber, wood, small metal parts and other waste). Radwaste management technologies designated for delivery include: waste resin cleaning system, residue handling system, dry radioactive waste treatment system, and solid radwaste reloading system and waste cementation.


Image: Pouring of first concrete for unit 4 of China’s Xudabao NPP