Ten new nuclear reactors were connected to the grid in 2015


Unit 1 of the Changjiang nuclear power plant on China’s
southern island province of Hainan has entered commercial operation, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced on 25 December. The 650 MWe CNP-600 pressurized water reactor was connected to the electricity grid on 7 November.

Initial approval for the Changjiang plant’s construction was granted by China’s National Developmental and Reform Commission in July 2008. Early site works began in December that year. Construction of unit 1 began with the pouring of first concrete on 25 April 2010, while that for unit 2 was poured on 21 November that year.

The loading of the 121 fuel assemblies into the core of Changjiang 1 began on 26 August and the reactor achieved first criticality on 12 October. It is expected to begin commercial operation by the end of this year, while unit 2 is set to start up next year.

The plant, near Hoi Mei Tong village, is being built as a joint venture between CNNC and China Huaneng Group, with shares split 51% and 49%, respectively. The plant will eventually comprise four units, with units 3 and 4 housing either CNP-650 or ACP-600 reactors. Construction of both those units is scheduled to begin by 2018.

First concrete was poured for unit 3 of the Fangchenggang nuclear power plant in China’s Guangxi province on 24 December, China General Nuclear (CGN) announced.

Three days later, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced that first concrete had been poured for unit 5 of the Tianwan nuclear power plant in Jiangsu province.

China’s State Council on 16 December approved the construction of two more units at each of the Fangchenggang and Tianwan nuclear power plant sites. The council gave its approval for units 5 and 6 of the Tianwan plant. These units will feature 1080 MWe ACPR1000 reactors

2016 and 2017 should see about 15 new nuclear reactor completions in each year