The Petrozavodskmash plant in Karelia (part of Rosatom’s mechanical engineering division) has shipped an emergency core cooling system (CAOZ – Sistemi Avariinovo Okhlazhdeniya Aktivnoi Zoni) for unit 4 of the Xudabao NPP under construction in China. The CAOZ is designed to automatically supply liquid to the reactor (it may be required if pressure drops in the primary circuit). The safety system of one unit comprises four tanks. The fourth and last for unit 4 will be shipped by the end of June 2025. The shipping ceremony became one of the central events of the celebration marking the 65th anniversary of the plant’s foundation.
The ceremony was attended by Artur Parfenchikov, Head of the Republic of Karelia; Andrey Nikipelov, Rosatom Deputy General Director of State Corporation for Mechanical Engineering; and Industrial Solutions, and Igor Kotov, Head of Rosatom’s Engineering Division.
“Petrozavodskmash makes a great contribution to the economy and industrial development of Karelia,” said Parfenchikov. “Today Petrozavodskmash is one of the key enterprises of Rosatom. The plant doesn’t just work, it creates new jobs and increases the tax base of our budget. Petrozavodskmash is one of the most modern and advanced enterprises in the nuclear industry. This is a factory where digital technologies are already commonplace. This is an interesting and promising place of work for our Karelian youth. This means that our industry and our republic have excellent opportunities for development and a good future.”
Nikipelov noted: “Petrozavodskmash manufactures equipment unique to the industry and participates in all Rosatom NPP construction projects. In the coming years, the company’s work will increase significantly. There is a great demand for Russian nuclear technologies in the world. Rosatom is the number one nuclear power plant construction company abroad, and we continue to expand our technological presence. There are many tasks in Russia. In accordance with the new general plan for the installation of electric power facilities by 2042, NPPs will see 38 new units…. Therefore, the task of Petrozavodskmash for the coming years is to manufacture the equipment necessary for our projects quickly, efficiently and in large volumes.”
Igor Kotov said: “To date, Rosatom’s engineers have manufactured 95% of the contracted equipment for the four new power units under construction at the Tianwan and Xudabao NPPs. Petrozavodskmash, shipped the main circulation pipelines, main circulation pump housings, safety equipment, and much more. By the end of 2025, the manufacture of all products involved in the operation of the nuclear island will be completed.”
The Xudabao project was originally expected to comprise six CAP1000 reactors with units 1&2 as the first phase. However, plans changed, and two Russian-supplied VVER-1200 reactors were instead designated for Xudabao 3&4 for which the contracts were signed in 2019. Rosatom is designing the nuclear islands for Xudabao 3&4, as well as supplying key equipment, providing field supervision, installation supervision, and commissioning services for the equipment supplied. The balance of plant will be supplied by China. Construction of Xudabao 3 began in July 2021, and unit 4 in May 2022. The commissioning of the units is scheduled for 2027-2028. The Xudabao NPP is owned by Liaoning Nuclear Power Company Ltd, in which CNNC holds a 70% stake with Datang International Power Generation Company holding 20% and State Development and Investment Corporation owning 10%.
