The key CA20 module has been installed at unit 2 of China’s Xudabao NPP in Liaoning province, according to China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) subsidiary China Nuclear Power Engineering Company (CNPEC). Xudabao units 1&2 will both feature 1,250 MWe CAP1000 reactors – the Chinese version of the Westinghouse AP1000.
The 1000-tonne cuboid-shaped steel CA20 module is 20.7 metres long, 14.2 metres wide and 21 metres high. The CA20 module will contain plant and equipment for used fuel storage, transmission, the heat exchanger and waste collection, among other things. CNPEC said the CA20 is another large structural module for unit 2 after the bottom head was hoisted into place on 27 October, “laying a solid foundation for the structural construction of the auxiliary plant of the nuclear island”.
The construction of Xudabao 1&2 was approved by China’s State Council in July 2023. The following November, the Ministry of Ecology & Environment announced that the National Nuclear Safety Administration had decided to issue a construction licence for the units. Construction of unit 1 began almost immediately. Construction of unit 2 started on 17 July this year.
The Xudabao project was originally expected to comprise six CAP1000 reactors with units 1&2 as the first phase. However, plans changed, and two Russian-supplied VVER-1200 reactors were instead designated for Xudabao 3&4. Rosatom is designing the nuclear islands for Xudabao 3&4, as well as supplying key equipment, providing field supervision, installation supervision, and commissioning services for the equipment supplied. The 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.
The Xudabao NPP is owned by Liaoning Nuclear Power Company Ltd, in which CNNC holds a 70% stake with Datang International Power Generation Company holding 20% and State Development and Investment Corporation owning 10%.
