Hot tests begin at Chinese unit
20 August 2013
Pre-operational testing has started at unit 2 of the Ningde nuclear power plant in China's Fujian province. The CPR-1000 pressurized water reactor is expected to begin operation next year.
.jpg "Ningde - August 2013 - 460 (CGN)") |
| Four units are under construction at Ningde. Hot tests at unit 2, second from left, are now underway (Image: CGN) |
The hot tests aim to simulate the temperatures and pressures which the reactor's systems will be subjected to during normal operation. This important phase ensures coolant circuits and nuclear safety systems are functioning properly before fuel can be loaded.
The tests began at Ningde 2 on 16 August and are expected to take about 45 days to complete. The unit is scheduled to start commercial operation in the second half of 2014.
It is one of four CPR-1000 units being built on the site. Construction of units 1 and 2 started in 2008 and units 3 and 4 started in 2010. Unit 1 began operating in April 2013. All four units will be in operation by 2015.
The Ningde plant is 46% owned by China General Nuclear (CGN) and 44% by China Datang Corporation. The remaining 10% is held by Fujian Provincial Energy Group. Two further CPR-1000 units are planned at the site.
Researched and written
by World Nuclear News