Meanwhile, another unit has been connected to the grid at Qinshan. The site’s unit 1 of phase III – the first of twin Candus – was connected on 19 November.
Kang Rixin, president of the Third Qinshan Nuclear Power Company, said that power from the two units would be more expensive than that sold to the grid from thermal stations. But Kang said the plant was negotiating with the Chinese government for a guarantee that it will accept at least 85% of the plant output, so that financing from Canada, the US and Japan can be paid back. Kang said that even with Qinshan in full operation, additional power would be needed from the Three Gorges hydro project.
