The expansion project of Qinshan Phase II in east China's Zhejiang Province, due to start by the end of this month, will for the first time realize over 70 percent equipment localization, as released by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).

Kang Rixin, general-manager of CNNC, said Qinshan Phase II, with 55 percent home-made equipment, is a successful example of self-development in China's nuclear sector. Based on this, the expansion project, adapting to new standards and regulations, will achieve more than 1,100 technological improvements and further raise the percentage of domestically made equipment so as to raise their reliability and safety.

According to related contracts, the Second Research and Design Institute of CNNC is responsible for the design of nuclear island (NI) and balance of plant (BOP) project and other relevant work; the design of nuclear reactor and nuclear reactor refrigerant goes to the Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC), and the design of conventional island (CT) is taken by the East China Electric Power Design Institute.

Approved by the National Development and Reform Commission in last October, the expansion project of Qinshan Phase II consists two 650,000 kw pressurized water reactor generating units, which are scheduled to put into commercial operation in March 2011 and January 2012 respectively. Construction of the first units will begin on April 28 this year.

It is learnt that among China's 11 nuclear generating units whose construction began during the 9th Five-year Plan (1996-2000) and 10th Five -year plan (2001-05) periods, only a 300,000 kw and two 600,000 kw sets were independently produced.

By People's Daily Online