China Civilian Nuclear Industry, Technology, Exports and Supply Chain: News & Discussions

[ahojunk]

China eyes trillion-RMB nuclear power market along 'Belt and Road'
By Ma Danning (People's Daily Online) 16:41, April 17, 2017

With the installation of the dome on the containment building, all major civil engineering works have been completed at Unit 5 of the Hongyanhe nuclear power plant developed by China's State Power Investment Corp, located Northeast China's Liaoning province. [File Photo]

Chinese companies are craving access to the colossal untapped potential of the nuclear power industry in Belt and Road countries, which could yield a market of up to 4 trillion RMB ($580 billion), said the chairman of one of the country’s largest nuclear power developers.

“About 72 countries have been or are planning to develop nuclear power, among which 41 are along the Belt and Road route, and most of them are still in the earliest stages of nuclear power development. We estimate that if their nuclear energy were raised to reach development levels comparable to those of the U.S. or Japan, it would spawn a market worth 4 trillion RMB,” remarked Wang Shoujun, chairman of China National Nuclear Corp (CNNC).

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes, in an unprecedented effort that will unite up to 65 countries.

China a powerful nuclear tech player

As domestic demand for electricity soars in China, and the country accelerates its shift to renewable energy, nuclear power will be one of the highest-priority projects. China currently operates 36 nuclear reactors, and is in the process of building 20 new ones, according to an official with the Ministry of Environmental Protection. By the end of 2020, China aims to have 58 million kilowatts of nuclear power capacity in operation and more than 30 million kilowatts under construction, ranking second in the world for number of installed units.

When it comes to homegrown technologies, China is gathering steam to occupy a position of leadership in the world. The Hualong One pressurized water reactor, manufactured by China First Heavy Machinery, completed its hydraulic pressure tests on April 8. This milestone shows that China has mastered the independent design and manufacture of third-generation nuclear power facilities.

On Jan. 5, 2017, State Power Investment Corp (SPIC), one of China’s five largest power generators, released NuPAC platform, a digital instrumentation and control system for nuclear power plants, complete with independent intellectual property rights. The platform has obtained approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, giving it access to American and European markets.

Photo taken on May 7, 2015 shows the construction site of a nuclear power project in Fuqing, southeast China's Fujian Province. China on Thursday began construction on the pilot nuclear power project using Hualong One technology, a domestically-developed third generation reactor design on Thursday.

Sailing abroad

With the third-generation Hualong One reactor as a star export, Chinese nuclear technologies have established a presence in the U.K., Romania, Pakistan and beyond.

In March, China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) inked a protocol with Kenya on nuclear power training based on the Hualong One reactor, coming one step closer to actually exporting the Hualong One design to Kenya, and testing the waters on other exports of technology and equipment overseas.

Citing indigenous technologies like Hualong One, the president of CGN Group announced that homegrown technologies “lay the foundation for China’s nuclear expansion overseas.”

According to CNNC Chairman Wang Shoujun, CNNC has successfully exported six nuclear power units and eight reactors to at least seven countries, and has established links with more than 40 countries for further cooperation spanning the full nuclear industrial chain.

SPIC releases NuPAC Platform, a nuclear reactor protection system with independent intellectual property rights. [File Photo]

Nuclear, radiation safety measures “reliable”

According to sources from the National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA), from August to September 2016, the International Atomic Energy Agency conducted a comprehensive nuclear and radiation safety evaluation. Their assessment found that nuclear and radiation safety in China is in line with international standards, and regulatory work is effective and reliable.

An unidentified NNSA official noted that, in the past 30 years, the Chinese nuclear industry has maintained a record of safe operations, with no incidents exceeding Level 2 or higher on the 7-level International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale. No radiation was deemed detrimental to the environment.

However, the official also stressed that a shortage of storage space for used fuel and the disposal of radioactive waste is a major issue affecting the development of China's nuclear power.

In March, China's State Council approved a plan for nuclear power safety and radioactive pollution control. According to the plan, China will build five sites for the disposal of solid waste with a low or intermediate level of radioactivity. Underground laboratories will be called upon to dispose of highly radioactive waste.

By 2025, China plans to have fully modernized its supervisory system for nuclear safety and radioactive pollution control. The safety of the country's nuclear facilities will be markedly enhanced by 2020, with a lower rate of occurrence of radiation accidents and better emergency response and safety supervision, according to the plan.

 

[Shotgunner51]

Malaysian delegation visits China to study its nuclear power programme
April 17, 2017 22:11 MYT

Nancy said although Malaysia was still undecided whether to introduce nuclear energy into its energy mix, it was important for the country prepare and obtain as much information as possible on the industry.

BEIJING: Nineteen Malaysian delegates, led by Minister in the Prime Minister''s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, are on a five-day working visit to China to study its nuclear power infrastructure programme at the invitation of the Chinese Nuclear Society (CMS) starting today.

The delegation is made up of stakeholders and representatives from government agencies such as the Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation (MNPC), Energy Commission, Agensi Inovasi Malaysia, Economic Planning Unit and Malaysian Nuclear Agency, as well as academicians, and Tenaga Nasional Bhd senior executives.

Nancy said although Malaysia was still undecided whether to introduce nuclear energy into its energy mix, it was important for the country prepare and obtain as much information as possible on the industry.

Nuclear power is a complex and sensitive issue that requires deep understanding, thus the delegation''s working visit is crucial in order to obtain direct exposure from relevant countries.

"We need to be prepared (before making any decision). The main role now is to educate. Nuclear literacy is still not there. But people are showing interest. Even in Parliament, questions on nuclear power were being asked, which is a good indication," she told Bernama.
​

MNPC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Mohd Zamzam Jaafar said the visit would enable the stakeholders to to see for themselves not only China''s nuclear power programme infrastructure, including power plants which were in operation and undergoing construction, but also to study its communication programme implementation.

"China is currently the country with the most (number of) NPPs (nuclear power plants) under construction. They have also upgraded their technology post-Fukushima," he said.​

Previously, a buyer of nuclear power plants, China is gaining ground on technological expertise and its main objective is to be self-sufficient in nuclear power.

According to the World Nuclear Association, China has 36 NPPs in operation, 21 under construction and more about to start construction.

The impetus for increasing nuclear power share in China is increasing due to air pollution from coal-fired plants.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian delegation is scheduled to visit the China Nuclear Power Engineering Cooperation (CNPE) in Beijing, Qishan Nuclear Power Base in Qishan, about 100 km southwest of Shanghai, and Shanghai Electric Group Co. Ltd.

Earlier today, the group visited the China Institution of Atomic Energy (CIAE) and was briefed on its initiatives such as fast reactor, micro reactor and nuclear security products.

The delegation also visited the Tsinghua University and the China National Energy Administration (CNEA) where its Secretary, Li Yangzhe expounded on China''s energy policy, regulations and strategy.

Malaysia is currently exploring the option of deploying nuclear energy to meet future demand but has indicated that it is not in the rush or set a timeline for the programme.

Currently, coal and gas account for about 50 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively, of the total power generation mix in Peninsular Malaysia, and less than five per cent of Malaysia''s power needs come from hydro, biodiesel and biomass sources.

-- BERNAMA

http://english.astroawani.com/malay...hina-study-its-nuclear-power-programme-139709

 

[JSCh]

Apr 19, 2017 04:27 AM BUSINESS & TECH
Baosteel to Supply Steel for Nuclear Power Plant in Pakistan
By Coco Feng

Baosteel Co. Ltd. has won a bid to supply steel to Pakistan’s Karachi Nuclear Power Plant. Photo: IC​

(Beijing) — Shanghai-based Baosteel Co. Ltd. has won a bid to supply steel to Pakistan’s Karachi Nuclear Power Plant, the first export deal for China-designed third-generation nuclear power technology.

Baosteel said in a statement Monday that its steel will be used in the heat exchangers of the plant, which is being built by China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC) and has been under construction since 2015.

The 2,200-megawatt Karachi project, slated to come online in 2020, will be the first overseas nuclear plant armed with the China-designed third-generation Hualong One (HPR1000) reactor.

Third-generation nuclear power technology development has so far been dominated by the AP1000 plant, designed by Westinghouse Electric Co., and the EPR pressurized water reactor, which was co-developed by Areva NP, Electricite de France (EDF) and Siemens in Germany.

China ceased to be dependent on imported AP1000 plants in 2015 when the nation’s two major nuclear firms, CNNC and China General Nuclear Power Corp. (CGN), launched the HPR1000, lessening the impact of Westinghouse’s seeking bankruptcy protection last month.

China has secured several deals to construct nuclear power stations abroad, but some of the older projects have either used second-generation technology, such as Chashma in Pakistan, or foreign designs, such as the planned Hinkley Point and Sizewell plants in the U.K., which will use EPR technology.

China also plans to continue to export its HPR1000 technology. In January, the U.K.’s nuclear regulators, the Office for Nuclear Regulation and the Environment Agency, announced plans to start a Generic Design Assessment of the HPR1000 reactor design, according to a statement on the U.K. government’s website.

Introduced in 2007, GDA is a voluntary process for reactor vendors, but the British government expects all new projects to pass the assessment. EPR and AP1000 have both passed, a process that takes more than five years.

 

[cirr]

Countries interested in ACP100 reactor

ANN@The China Post

Saturday, April 29, 2017, 12:00 am TWN

Many countries have shown a keen interest in China National Nuclear Corporation's cutting-edge third-generation ACP100 nuclear reactor, the company revealed on Thursday.

CNNC said it had conducted discussions with countries, including Pakistan, Iran, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Brazil, Egypt and Canada, over potential use of the technology.

It disclosed the strong international interest on Thursday at the 12th China International Exhibition on Nuclear Power Industry 2017 in Beijing.

The ACP100, which the company calls the Linglong One, is a small modular reactor relying on pressurized water reactor technology.

CNNC said it had completed all the research, development and design process and the unit would be ready for engineering construction after government's final approval.

SMRs are defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency as advanced reactors producing up to 300 megawatts of power that can be largely built in factories and shipped to utilities and end users.

Linglong One is the first reactor of its kind in the world to have passed the safety review by the International Atomic Energy Agency, a remarkable breakthrough in global small multipurpose modular reactor development, said the company.

According to CNNC, compared with other energy sources, small reactors as a distributed power source and power supply for a particular region have obvious advantages.

It said that in the field of industrial steam supply under the present pricing system, co-generation of steam and power by the ACP100 was economically superior to other power supply modes in view of its 70 percent of heat utilization efficiency.

The company said it also provides clean and environmentally friendly energy for water desalination for coastal cities short of water.

Many executives in China's nuclear power sector have pitched the use of small scale reactors, as an alternative heat source to lessen dependence on coal-fired plants to reduce pollution.

Wan Gang, head of the China Institute of Atomic Energy, said the operation of the small modular reactors was secure, as the core temperature and internal pressure were much lower than a conventional reactor.

"The small modular reactors are safe for civilian use in cities," said Wang.

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/china/business/2017/04/29/496407/Countries-interested.htm

 

[cirr]

军事：基于军用核动力 中国造全球首个过审小反应堆将出海

2017-04-28 19:28 来源:观察者网

基于军用核动力，创世界第一，中国又一反应堆将出海

全球首个过审核电小堆“玲龙一号”已具备建设条件

据国际在线报道，第十二届中国国际核电工业展28日在北京举行。目前，全球首个通过IAEA通用反应堆安全审查（GRSR）的先进小堆技术——“玲龙一号”已完成研发设计工作，具备工程建设条件。加上已有的“华龙一号”，“双龙出海”的核电走出去的格局正在形成。

现场图

模块式小堆（ACP100）是中核集团基于军用核动力和成熟压水堆技术研发的、具有完全自主知识产权的小型压水堆，是军民深度融合、创新发展的重大成果，同时，为加快推动小堆产业化发展，中核集团专门为ACP100注册了“玲龙一号”商标。

“玲龙一号”具有一体化反应堆技术、高效直流蒸汽发生器技术、屏蔽主泵技术、固有安全加非能动安全技术、模块化技术等技术特征；具有技术先进及成熟、多用途、部署灵活、设备成熟度高、工程可实施性好等突出优势。

截至目前，“玲龙一号”研发设计工作已经全部完成，具备工程建设条件。同时，“玲龙一号”是全球首个通过IAEA通用反应堆安全审查（GRSR）的先进小堆技术。

据介绍，相比核电站几十乃至上百万千瓦的核电机组来说，小堆拥有小型化、模块化、一体化、非能动等先进革新型技术，具有安全性高、灵活性好、用途广泛等优势，可以作为分布式电源建在接近工业区和人口密集区的地点，实现城市区域供热和工业工艺供热，可以为偏远地区的中小型电网供电，可以作为移动电源为海洋资源开发等供电，并可以用于海水淡化等。

“玲龙一号”用途示意图

小堆因其安全性、灵活性和多用途等方面的独特优势，在新一轮核能技术变革和国际产业竞争中的作用日益凸显。本世纪初，国际原子能机构（IAEA）正式启动革新型中小反应堆的开发计划。据IAEA统计，截至目前，全球范围内正在开发的小堆技术有超过40种。美、俄、英、日、韩等核电大国均将小堆技术列入国家战略，加大研发和产业推广力度。

一些国家已对中核集团的小堆产生了浓厚兴趣，纷纷表示出合作意愿。中核集团已与巴基斯坦、伊朗、英国、沙特、印尼、蒙古、巴西、埃及、加拿大等国开展了小堆合作洽谈，并已与部分国家开始项目谈判工作。

而同在本次展览会上参展的中国广核集团发布的消息称，“自1月10日英国政府同意受理华龙一号通用设计审查（GDA）以来，中广核正在有序推进华龙一号GDA的相关工作，而英国布拉德维尔B核电站的参考电站——广西防城港核电展二期也在按计划推进，目前已经完成3号机组第二节筒体壁板的吊装。”

据介绍，华龙一号GDA将以防城港3号机组为参考电站，预计5年完成。一旦完成这一全世界最为严格、也是难度最大的设计审查，中国自主三代核电技术在全球核电市场上影响力将大增。

 

[Place Of Space]

What's the strengths ships equipped with reactor?

 

[xunzi]

At this rate, China is the leader in nuke tech from fission to fusion.

 

[Shotgunner51]

Many countries have shown a keen interest in China National Nuclear Corporation's cutting-edge third-generation ACP100 nuclear reactor, the company revealed on Thursday.

CNNC said it had conducted discussions with countries, including Pakistan, Iran, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Brazil, Egypt and Canada, over potential use of the technology.

Good news, there are only less than a handful of rival camps left in latest third-gen nuclear technology (Toshiba-Westinghouse, Mitsubishi-JNFL-Areva, KEPCO-KHNP-Doosan, Hitachi-GE) and some are in deep financial trouble, CNNC-CGN should indeed be very competitive and seek to expand share of market if not dominate it.

 

[Bussard Ramjet]

At this rate, China is the leader in nuke tech from fission to fusion.

Really.

Have you realized that the biggest fusion project is actually in Europe?

Or that China is still not capable of independent design of nuclear reactors?

 

[Shotgunner51]

China National Nuclear Corporation's cutting-edge third-generation ACP100 nuclear reactor

Both CNNC and CGN are developing along the tech path of PWR, while CNEC is going on an entirely different one - HTGR. KSA is evaluating HTGR (from China) vs PWR (from Korea), stay tuned for new development.

http://www.neimagazine.com/news/new...hina-and-korea-for-nuclear-assistance-5767240

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Feasibility-study-for-Saudi-Arabian-HTGR-project-1703174.html

Feasibility study for Saudi Arabian HTGR project
17 March 2017

China and Saudi Arabia have signed a cooperation agreement for a joint study on the feasibility of constructing high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) in the Middle Eastern country.

Gu and Yamani sign the HTGR agreement (Image: CNEC)​

The agreement was signed yesterday in Beijing by China Nuclear Energy Engineering Group (CNEC) president Jun Gu and King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA-CARE) president Hashim bin Abdullah Yamani. The signing was witnessed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Saudi Arabia's King Salman.

In a statement, CNEC said that under the agreement the two companies will consider the development of system solutions for the investment and construction of HTGRs. They will also examine cooperation in intellectual property and the development of a domestic industrial supply chain for HTGRs built in Saudi Arabia. The feasibility study, it said, will also support the Saudi government in its decisions related to an HTGR project.

The latest agreement follows the signing in January of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between China and Saudi Arabia on the construction of HTGRs.

CNEC said that since the signing of that MOU, the two countries have been looking at site selection for the project, building a regulatory system, training personnel and other aspects of the project.

Although Saudi Arabia's nuclear program is in its infancy, the Kingdom has plans to construct 16 nuclear power reactors over the next 20 years. A 2010 royal decree identified nuclear power as essential to help meet growing energy demand for both electricity generation and water desalination, while reducing reliance on depleting hydrocarbon resources.

In September 2015, contracts were signed between the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and KA-CARE to support their cooperation in developing KAERI's SMART (System-integrated Modular Advanced Reactor). This is a 330 MWt (100 MWe) pressurised water reactor with integral steam generators and advanced safety features.

A demonstration HTR-PM unit under construction at Shidaowan near Weihai city in China's Shandong province. That plant will initially comprise twin HTR-PM reactor modules driving a single 210 MWe steam turbine. Construction started in late 2012 and it is scheduled to start commercial operation in late 2017.

A proposal to construct two 600 MWe HTRs at Ruijin city in China's Jiangxi province passed a preliminary feasibility review in early 2015. The design of the Ruijin HTRs is based on the smaller Shidaowan demonstration HTR-PM. Construction of the Ruijin reactors is expected to start next year, with grid connection in 2021.

CNEC has been actively promoting its HTR technology overseas and has already signed agreements with other countries - including the UAE and South Africa to consider the construction of HTGR plants. Last August, CNEC signed an agreement with Indonesia's National Atomic Energy Agency (Batan) to jointly develop an HTGR in Indonesia.

Researched and written by World Nuclear News​

 

[Shotgunner51]

Announcement from National Science and Technology Major Project (国家科技重大专项; NMP)
Link: http://www.nmp.gov.cn/gzxgz/ysdhdz/201703/t20170330_5044.htm

Web translate (if any member can translate better, please feel free to help):

The world's first CAP1400 reactor pressure vessel with domestic О-shaped seal ring for a successful pressurized water test
Date: March 30, 2017​

Recently, the world's first CAP1400 reactor pressure vessel with domestic О-shaped seal ring for a successful pressurized water test, successfully passed the "large-scale advanced pressurized water reactor and high-temperature gas-cooled reactor nuclear power plant" National Science and Technology Major CAP1400 demonstration project Unit 1 reactor pressure vessel hydrostatic test.

The design of the nuclear power plant pressure test pressure of 17.2MPa, hydraulic test during the indicators are in line with the design requirements, the whole no leakage or bubbling. The hydrostatic test is completed in one go, marking the domestic О-shaped seal ring of the core equipment of the main circuit pressure boundary of the nuclear power plant has been realized and has entered the practical engineering application, laying a good foundation for the batch construction of the third generation nuclear power.

О-shaped seal ring is the nuclear power plant main circuit pressure boundary core equipment, has long been dependent on imports. CAP1400 Reactor Pressure Vessel О Seal Ring is a seal between the cylinder pressure flange of the reactor pressure vessel and the cap flange, which is made from the surface of the alloy pipe and is a vital basis for ensuring the safe operation of the nuclear power plant. Component is an important guarantee that the RPV does not occur during the operation of radioactive material leakage.

 

[Han Patriot]

Really.
Have you realized that the biggest fusion project is actually in Europe?

Location is in Europe, the ITER is a multi-national project in which China is one of six founding partners, and being a key component supplier. Other than co-working in ITER, China has many own fusion projects right, Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) in Heifi.
https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/how-chinas-leading-the-world-in-nuclear-fusion-research.465502/page-6

Or that China is still not capable of independent design of nuclear reactors?

Chinese PWR reactor are somehow derived from imported designs, we improve it and we own the IP, that's GIII. We develop our Gen IV reactors, HTGR and TMSR, both are under research. Pebble Rock HTGR is already world leading.

Independence? You are full of BS. Can we design any GIII? Sure we can, we own IP, zero royalty. Can we produce all the hardware? Sure localization rate is near 90%. We are of course independent if not leading. How about India?

 

[Shotgunner51]

Argentina and China will sign contract to construct two nuclear powered plants
Saturday, May 6th 2017 - 12:17 UTC

Argentina and China will sign next 17 May in Beijing a contract for the construction of two new nuclear powered plants, with an investment of US$ 12.5 billion, according to Argentina's Nuclear energy deputy secretary, Julian Gadano.

“We still have some details to iron out, but the frame contract will be signed when president Mauricio Macri makes an official visit to China”, said Gadano, adding details referred to the financing.​

In effect the long term loan for the construction of the two reactors is 20 years plus an additional eight, which will be repaid when the plant begins generating. The interest rate is estimated in the range of 4.5%.

According to the plan, Atucha III, Argentina's fourth nuclear plant will be constructed in the province of Buenos Aires, close to Atucha II and will produce 745 MW. Fuel will be natural uranium and heavy water, with works scheduled to begin in 2018.

Gadano said the whole construction of the project is estimated in seven years costing US$ 6bn. As to the fifth nuclear plant it will have a 1150 MW power and will be fueled with enriched uranium and light water.

http://en.mercopress.com/2017/05/06...tract-to-construct-two-nuclear-powered-plants

 

[xunzi]

Really.

Have you realized that the biggest fusion project is actually in Europe?

Or that China is still not capable of independent design of nuclear reactors?

Nonsense.

If you mean ITER. You do realize that is an international fusion project in which we are a big part of it right? As far as fusion contribution and breakthrough in individual country, China maintains the lead with the longest sustain fusion.

Again, another nonsense. Hualong One already proved China capability to master PWR reactor and perhaps will be the only country left to export that next gen tech PWR after Westinghouse might decide to quit the market.

 

[shadows888]

Nonsense.

If you mean ITER. You do realize that is an international fusion project in which we are a big part of it right? As far as fusion contribution and breakthrough in individual country, China maintains the lead with the longest sustain fusion.

Again, another nonsense. Hualong One already proved China capability to master PWR reactor and perhaps will be the only country left to export that next gen tech PWR after Westinghouse might decide to quit the market.

Toshiba selling westinghouse or what?