CB&I, CNNC extend cooperation
17 July 2014
US energy infrastructure company CB&I has increased its cooperation with the Chinese nuclear industry by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). The agreement will see them cooperate on the development of nuclear power plants.
Texas-based CB&I said that the MoU with CNNC includes cooperation in operation and maintenance support services for CNNC's operating nuclear power plants. CNNC currently has nine reactors in operation at two sites, Qinshan and Tianwan, as well as a further 12 units under construction at five other sites.
In addition, the MoU covers engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) management services for the Westinghouse AP1000 reactors planned and owned by CNNC. Two AP1000s are being built at CNNC's Sanmen plant, where a further two are planned. Two AP1000s are also planned for Xudabao, in which CNNC subsidiary Liaoning Nuclear Power Company Ltd is majority owner. Plans for eight further AP1000s at three inland sites have been deferred.
In September 2007, Westinghouse and its partner the Shaw Group received authorization to construct four AP1000 units in China: two at Sanmen and two more at Haiyang. The transfer of knowledge and technology from Westinghouse featured in the agreement. China wants to become self-sufficient in deploying AP1000s and its own derivatives, such as the CAP14000.
The agreement between CB&I and CNNC also includes cooperation in international nuclear power market development, as well as nuclear power training programs and the exchange of management personnel in the USA and China.
CB&I president and CEO Philip Asherman said, "This new commitment with CNNC will provide CB&I with the opportunity to expand and diversify the services offered in China while the international deployment of CNNC's indigenous nuclear power technologies will offer expanded growth in the international nuclear power marketplace."
Growing Chinese presence
Last October, CB&I announced a joint venture with China Power Investment Corporation (CPI) under which it will provide EPC, commissioning, project management and technical support services for new plants planned by CPI. The two companies have already collaborated on the construction of two AP1000 reactors at Haiyang. The first Haiyang unit is expected to enter service by the end of this year. CPI's plans include a further two AP1000s at Haiyang, plus two more at Bailong in Guangxi.
CB&I has now signed cooperation agreements with two of the three Chinese state-owned corporations approved by the State Council to own and operate nuclear power plants in China, the third being China General Nuclear (CGN).
CB&I purchased Shaw in February 2013, bringing together Shaw's EPC expertise with CB&I's energy infrastructure experience to create one of the world's largest energy-focused EPC companies. CB&I is also providing its services to AP1000 construction projects at Summer and Vogtle in the USA.
Researched and written
by World Nuclear News