The inner containment dome has been installed at unit 5 of China’s Lufeng NPP in Guangdong province, according to China General Nuclear (CGN). It is the first of two HPR1000 (Hualong One) reactors under construction at the site (unit 5&6).
The 238-tonne steel dome – 45 metres in diameter and almost 14 metres in height – was lifted using 1600-tonne crawler crane and placed on top of the walls of the double containment structure. An outer dome will subsequently be installed to cover it. The main function of the inner containment is to ensure the integrity and leak tightness of the reactor building, and it plays a key role in the containment of radioactive substances.
CGN said the milestone "marks the full transition of another Hualong One nuclear power unit from the civil construction stage to the equipment installation stage".
China’s State Council approved construction of the Lufeng 5&6 in April 2022. First concrete for Lufeng 5 was poured the following September and for Lufeng 6 in August 2023. The two units are expected to be connected to the grid in 2028 and 2029.
Four Chinese designed CAP1000s were also planned for the site. Approved was granted by the National Development & Reform Commission in 2014 State Council approval is still pending. The CAP1000 design is the Chinese version of the Westinghouse AP1000.
Image: The inner containment dome is lifted into place at unit 5 of China’s Lufeng nuclear power plant in Guangdong province
