An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation (Salto) mission completed a review of China’s Qinshan 1 on 10 May.
Qinshan 1 went into operation in 1991 and plant operator Nuclear Power Operations Management Co (CNNO) has submitted a request to China’s National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) to renew the plant’s operating licence for 20 years after its current licence expires in 2021. The team – comprising five experts from Argentina, the Netherlands, Sweden, the USA and the IAEA - said the plant had:
- improved coordination among current plant operational programmes and ageing management programmes;
- implemented ageing management programmes for electrical, instrumentation and control components; and
- improved competence and knowledge management processes.
The team noted that further work is necessary to complete a periodic safety review and implement an environmental qualification programme. Plant management expressed determination to continue to address the remaining issues and prepare the nuclear plant for safe long term operation. A final report will be submitted to the plant management, NNSA and the Chinese Government within three months.
