Xudabao unit 3 completes cold testing

China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) said that the joint Chinese and Russian project reached the landmark on 12 December.

It said: "The cold functional test is a significant milestone in the construction of a nuclear power unit, representing the first comprehensive 'check-up' of the reactor and primary loop equipment. It aims to verify the overall performance of related systems and equipment under cold, high-pressure conditions. The successful completion of this test fully demonstrates that the primary loop pressure boundary of unit 3 at the Xudabao Nuclear Power Plant is intact and the equipment performance is reliable, effectively ensuring the safe and stable operation of the unit in the future."

In June 2018, Russia and China signed four agreements, including for the construction of two VVER-1200 reactors at the new Xudabao (also known as Xudapu) site. Agreements signed in June 2019 included a general contract for the construction of Xudabao units 3 and 4, as well as a contract for the supply of nuclear fuel.

Construction of Xudabao unit 3 began in July 2021, with that of unit 4 starting in May 2022. The dome was lifted into place on the reactor building for unit 3 in July 2023. Commissioning of the units is scheduled for 2027 and 2028, respectively.

The Xudabao plant is owned by Liaoning Nuclear Power Company Limited, a joint venture between CNNC (70%), Datang International Power Generation Company (20%) and State Development and Investment Corporation (10%).