The reactor internals for unit 1 of China’s Xudabao NPP in in Liaoning Province have been delivered to the site, according to China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). The main functions of the reactor internals are to provide support for fuel assemblies and other components in the reactor pressure vessel, and to guide the control rod drive mechanism. The reactor pressure vessel was installed in July 2025.
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 with construction starting in July 2021 and May 2022 for commissioning in 2027 and 2028. In November 2023, the Ministry of Ecology & Environment announced that the National Nuclear Safety Administration had decided to issue a construction licence for Xudabao 1&2 with 1250 MWe CAP1000 reactors – the Chinese version of the Westinghouse AP1000. Two further CAP1000 reactors are proposed for units 5&6.
CNNC said there had been “a systematic review and meticulous planning of past project experience, all parties involved in the Liaoning Nuclear Power Joint Project scientifically organised and meticulously arranged the process, conducting a process simulation exercise covering the entire manufacturing process of reactor internals to identify and address potential risks in advance”.
CNNC added that “during implementation, the team closely monitored key aspects, actively coordinated resources, and ultimately ensured the accurate delivery of equipment, laying a solid foundation for the smooth progress of subsequent milestones and the implementation of the main installation work”.
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%.
