First concrete of the second Taishan EPR reactor has been poured by the Chinese utility CGNPC. It is the fourth Areva EPR in the world to begin construction after Olkiluoto 3 in Finland, Flamanville 3 in France and Taishan 1 in China.
Around 9000 cubic meters of concrete, poured continuously by seven pumps, were necessary to make the pre-reinforced Reactor Building slab, measuring 55 meters in diameter.
Vendor Areva announced the first concrete had been poured on 22 April. The milestone follows the signing of agreements between Areva and CGNPC in November 2007. Worth EUR8 billion overall they cover the construction of two third-generation EPRs, as well as supply all necessary equipment and services, and the creation of an engineering joint-venture company.
Taishan 1&2 are due to be commissioned in late 2013 and 2014, respectively.
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