Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (MHI) has received an order for the supply of four circulating water pumps for units 5&6 of the Sanmen NPP in China’s Zhejiang Province, in collaboration with Dongfang Electric Machinery (DFEM), part of China’s Dongfang Electric Group. DFEM and MHI are advancing collaboration to expand business in China. The contract marks the first order received under the collaboration between DFEM and MHI.
Circulating water pumps are used in the condensate systems, which cool the steam discharged from the turbine in the secondary system of pressurised water reactors and returns the steam to water. MHI has supplied more than 500 such pumps to the market.
Two Westinghouse AP1000 units built as Phase I of the Sanmen plant (1&2) started operation in 2018. Two CAP1000 reactors – China’s version of the AP1000 – are being constructed as Phase II of the plant (units 3&4). First concrete was poured for the nuclear island of Sanmen 3 in June 2022 and for unit 4 in March 2023. The units are expected to be connected to the grid in 2027 and 2028. In April China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) confirmed approval for units 5&6 which will be 1,215 MWe Hualong One reactors.
