On the 24th, China National Nuclear Power Technology Co., Ltd. and the Westinghouse Consortium from the United States signed a third-generation nuclear power project support agreement at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The event was attended by Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan, who leads the National Nuclear Power Autonomy Leading Group, along with representatives from both Chinese and international parties.
The agreement involved several key players, including National Nuclear Power Technology Co., Sanmen Nuclear Power Co., Haiyang Nuclear Power Co., China National Technical Import and Export Corporation, and the Westinghouse Consortium and its subcontractors. They signed contracts for the design of the nuclear island for four units under the third-generation nuclear power project, as well as major equipment procurement agreements. Additionally, a technology transfer contract for AP1000 reactor technology was signed between National Nuclear Power Technology Co., China National Technical Import and Export Corporation, and the Westinghouse Consortium and its major partners. This included critical technologies such as main pump systems, safety valves, containment structures, pressure vessels, steam generators, integrated heads, and operational management.
During the signing ceremony, Zeng Peiyan met with top executives from Westinghouse and Toshiba, including Mr. Shi Ruizhi, President and CEO of Westinghouse Electronics, Mr. Shi Yezhi, Chairman of the Board, and Mr. Tingye Zhengfu, Vice President of Toshiba. He emphasized that this milestone marks a significant step forward in Sino-US nuclear energy cooperation, which is expected to elevate China’s nuclear power industry to a new level and support the country's long-term nuclear development strategy.
Zhang Guobao, Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, stated that the contract signing signifies the transition of the third-generation nuclear power project from negotiation to actual implementation. He highlighted the importance of this step in advancing China’s nuclear power capabilities.
China National Technology Import and Export Corporation has played a central role since the project's inception. General Manager Jiang Xinsheng noted that through the implementation of the project and the absorption of imported technologies, China aims to gradually localize and improve its third-generation nuclear power capabilities, strengthening its independent design, manufacturing, construction, and operation skills.
Wang Binghua, Chairman of China National Nuclear Power Technology Co., Ltd., announced that the first million-kilowatt nuclear power unit using third-generation technology will be completed in Sanmen, Zhejiang Province by the end of 2013. This will be the world's first AP1000-powered nuclear plant. He also emphasized the company's commitment to high-quality technology introduction and safe commercial operation of the four units in Sanmen and Haiyang.
The AP1000 technology features a unique "passive" safety system, reducing the number of components and enhancing reliability. Compared to earlier generations, it significantly lowers accident risks and improves overall safety.
Currently, China’s nuclear power capacity stands at about 8 million kilowatts, accounting for only 1% of total power generation. Most existing reactors are second-generation models, with limited domestic production. However, the National Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan for Nuclear Power aims to reach 40 million kilowatts of installed capacity by 2020, with 18 million kilowatts under construction, increasing the share of nuclear power to 4%.
Industry experts believe that China’s nuclear power sector is entering a period of accelerated growth, with third-generation technology aligning with global trends. While adopting advanced foreign technologies, China remains committed to innovation, aiming to enhance safety, efficiency, and localization in large-scale nuclear projects.
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