China could build 200 nuclear reactors in the next 15 years

Westinghouse CEO Danny Roderick said that a “realistic” assessment of future business in China would place Westinghouse in the vicinity of a 25 percent to 30 percent market share. He estimated that China could build 200 reactors in the next 15 years.

China is expected to build up its own nuclear power plant export business with its own 1,400 MW version of the AP1000, Platts reported.

Roderick said that Westinghouse is expected to provide reactor coolant pumps to Chinese plants, which could amount to deals worth $800 million.

China’s State Nuclear Power Technology Company describes China plans for the AP1000 and beyond.

The large-scaled advanced pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant is one of the sixteen major programs listed in China’s plan for scientific and technological development until 2020 (2006~2020), as well as one symbolic program for China to be an innovative country. Based on the strategic policy made by the Party Central Committee and State Council, PWR Major Program aims to firstly digest, absorb and fully grasp AP1000 advance technology, then form the Chinese brand of large-scaled advanced PWR with bigger generation capacity and China’s exclusive proprietary through innovation and development.

China’s plan for the AP1000 through the CAP1700.

1. Westinghouse take lead and Chinese fully participate to construct four AP1000 units as self-reliant project, and basically generate standardized design of AP1000 NPP in coastal site;

2. Chinese take lead and Westinghouse provides support to complete AP1000 standardized design, able to construct AP1000 nuclear power unit in both coastal and inland site;

3. Achieve the overall self-innovation of PWR Major Program, create CAP 1400 standardized design, accomplish CAP1400 Major Program Demonstration Project, scale up the construction of CAP1400 and launch the pre-study of CAP1700.

The conceptual design of CAP1400 technology research and development was completed and passed the national examination at the end of 2010. A preliminary design was completed in 2011, which was submitted for national review after reviewed and modified internally. CAP1400 PSAR was submitted to the National Nuclear Security Administration at the end of March, 2012, covering 4 sections of fire-fighting, occupational safety, occupational health and physical protection. CAP1400 construction design work started in 2012. CAP1400 key components and nuclear safety-related six tests progress smoothly overall and test bench alteration and construction work is in full swing. ACME test bench FCD and IVR test bench construction were virtually completed. The PCS water distribution test and water film cold test have started. The Moisture Separator device hot performance test based on the 1st program was completed and the tests based on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th program are scheduled to begin. Substantial research for CAP1400 equipment development, nuclear safety review technique and other subjects was carried out and great achievement was achieved.

SOURCES – Nuclear Street, State Nuclear Power Technology Company