Construction of Westinghouse AP1000™ Nuclear Power Plants in China

In July 2007, China entered a new era of sustainable, safe, and ecologically sound energy development by committing to build four AP1000™ units to be constructed in pairs at the coastal sites of Sanmen (Zhejiang Province) and Haiyang (Shandong Province). Both sites have the planned ability to accommodate at least six AP1000 units. The Westinghouse AP1000 is the only Generation III+ reactor to receive design certification from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). With a design that is based on the proven performance of Westinghouse-designed pressurized water reactors (PWRs), the AP1000 is an advanced 1100 megawatt (MW) plant that uses the forces of nature and simplicity of design to enhance plant safety and operations. Excavation commenced for the first of four China AP1000 units in February 2008, and placement of the basemat concrete for Sanmen Unit 1 was completed on schedule in March 2009. This was soon followed by the placement of the first major structural module; the auxiliary building. As part of localization and the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) desire for self-reliance, a China-based module factory is constructing the major modules and manufacturing the containment vessel plates. The fabrication and welding of the containment vessel bottom head for Sanmen Unit 1 is now complete. The 2010 milestones for Sanmen Unit 1 include the setting of major modules such as the reactor vessel cavity, the steam generator, and refueling canal modules, plus containment vessel rings 1, 2, 3, and 4. All major equipment orders have been placed and the first deliveries are beginning to arrive. The technology transfer is also well underway. The Haiyang Unit 1 basemat was placed on schedule in September 2009 and Sanmen Unit 2 Nuclear Island (NI) concrete basemat placement was completed a month earlier than the milestone date of January 2010. Sanmen Unit 1 will be fully operational in November 2013 followed by Haiyang Unit 1 in May 2014. Operational dates for Sanmen Unit 2 and Haiyang Unit 2 are September 2014 and March 2015, respectively. As one of the world’s largest consumers of energy, China’s path in achieving sustainable energy has profound global economic and environmental consequences. The contract with the Westinghouse and Shaw Consortium for four AP1000 units is the largest of its type between the People’s Republic of China and the United States.