The agreement aims for the signing of a framework contract for the project between CNNC and NASA by the end of 2015; for a commercial contract to be signed by the end of 2016 and a financing agreement also before the end of 2016.
In 2012, CNNC’s ACP1000 and CGN’s ACPR1000 were ‘merged’ into one standardised design – the Hualong One.
2. Japan is starting to grant approvals for nuclear reactor restarts
The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) ruled in December that Takahama units 3 and 4 meet its new regulatory requirements, announced in July 2013, and granted preliminary permission to Kansai to make changes to the reactor installations of the two units.
Kansai has submitted various amendments to its plans to increase the plant’s resistance to extreme events such as earthquakes, tsunami and tornadoes, in accordance with the regulator’s requirements.
The NRA has only approved the restart of two other reactors, granting Kyushu Electric Power Company permission to make changes to the reactor installations of Sendai units 1 and 2 in September 2014. Local and prefectural government approval is also required before they can restart.
Safety assessment applications for 17 other reactors remain at the review stage.
3. Russia is making progress on several nuclear reactors
Leningrad Phase II is a new nuclear power plant adjacent to the existing Leningrad nuclear plant site. Two 1200 MWe AES-2006 design units are being built there, which should begin operation in 2016 and 2018 respectively. Two further AES-2006 units are planned for the site. Each AES-2006 unit will employ four steam generators.
The first of four steam generators destined for the second unit of the Leningrad II nuclear power plant in western Russia has begun its journey from the manufacturing plant near Moscow.
SOURCE – World Nuclear News
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.