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First concrete has been poured for the first phase of China’s Lianjiang NPP in Guangdong Province, according to the State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC). It will be China’s first NPP to have a recirculating seawater cooling system super-large cooling towers, which reduces the amount of sea water used. This enables the plant to be built in a coastal area where seawater is insufficient for direct cycle cooling.
With a total investment of CNY130bn ($18.1bn), Lianjiang NPP is designed to have six CAP1000 pressurised water reactors, the first of which is scheduled to be operational in 2028. Phase 1 will comprise two units. The Lianjiang Nuclear power project is SPIC’s first coastal nuclear power project in Guangdong Province. It is expected to run in conjunction with hydrogen plants and power storage stations in the area as part of an integrated energy base.
In 2022, China’s State Council approved the construction of two nuclear power projects – Zhangzhou Phase II in East China's Fujian Province and Lianjiang Phase 1. Once completed, the NPP will generate 70.2 TWh a year, reducing standard coal consumption by over 20m tonnes.
Image: Concrete is poured into the foundation of Lianjiang 1 (courtesy of SPIC)
