The reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for unit 2 of China’s San’ao NPP in Zhejiang province has been installed in the reactor building, according to CGN Cangnan Nuclear Power. The reactor pressure vessel, manufactured by Shanghai Electric Nuclear Power Equipment Company, was delivered to the construction site earlier in August.
After unpacking inspection, on-site transportation, hoisting to the 17.5-metre platform, internal inspection of the container and manoeuvring the RPV was put in place. “The whole process took 14 days,” said CGN. This marked a new stage and laid a solid foundation for subsequent main pipeline welding, main pump installation and other work.
The San’ao plant is China’s first nuclear power project with private equity participation. The project includes plans to build six units with Hualong One reactors. In May 2015, the National Energy Administration approved the project to carry out site protection and related demonstration work at San’ao. China’s National Nuclear Safety Administration issued a construction permit units 1&2 in December 2020 and construction of unit 1 began immediately. Construction of unit 2 began in December 2021.
The two units are scheduled to start supplying electricity in 2026 and 2027. Geely Technology Group has a 2% stake in the plant. CGN owns a 46% stake in project company Cangnan Nuclear Power, with the rest of the shares owned by other state-owned enterprises.
