First Batch of Russian-Supplied Large Components for China-Russia Nuclear Energy Project Arrives in Liaoning's Xudapu Nuclear Power Plant

According to a report from the "China Nuclear Power" WeChat official account, on November 29, 2021, the first batch of Russian-supplied large components (including the core catcher shell and filler materials) for Unit 3 of the Xudapu Nuclear Power Plant, a key China-Russia nuclear energy cooperation project, safely arrived at Huludao Port in China after a 90-day, over 13,000-nautical-mile journey from Saint Petersburg Port in Russia.

The core catcher is a critical component of the VVER-1200 third-generation nuclear power unit, playing a vital role in enhancing the redundancy and safety of the nuclear power plant. To ensure the safe transportation of these large components, maritime patrol vessels provided全程护航 (full escort) during the processes of entering the port, transfer, berthing, unloading, and hoisting.

As previously reported, in 2018, China and Russia signed the "Framework Contract for Units 7 and 8 of the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant" and the "Framework Contract for the Xudapu Nuclear Power Plant," with a total value of $3.62 billion. According to the protocol signed by both parties, the supplier for both framework contracts is JSC Atomstroyexport, a Russian company responsible for executing contracts for the construction of nuclear power plants abroad under intergovernmental agreements. Under these framework contracts, the two sides will collaborate to build Units 7 and 8 of the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant and Units 3 and 4 of the Xudapu Nuclear Power Plant, using the Russian-designed VVER-1200/V491 reactor units paired with domestically produced turbine generator sets. The power plants are designed with an operational lifespan of 60 years, achieving an average annual design availability rate of no less than 90% over their lifetime.

On May 13, 2019, China National Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. announced that, in accordance with the "Protocol Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Russian Federation on the Serial Construction of Xudapu Nuclear Power Plant Units in China," its subsidiary, CNNC Liaoning Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., along with CNNC Suneng Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. and China Atomic Energy Industry Co., Ltd., would soon sign the "General Contract for Units 3 and 4 of the Xudapu Nuclear Power Plant" with JSC Atomstroyexport, with a contract value of $1.702 billion.

The Xudapu Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4 are located in Xudapu Town, Xingcheng City, Huludao, Liaoning Province. They employ Russian-designed VVER-1200/V491 reactor units paired with domestically produced turbine generator sets, with the reference plant (nuclear island) being the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant Phase II (Unit 1 of Phase II was completed and put into operation in March 2018). The nuclear island has a rated thermal power of 3,212 MW, and the power plant is designed with an operational lifespan of 60 years, achieving an average annual design availability rate of no less than 90% over its lifetime.

The planned construction start dates for the two units are October 2021 and August 2022, respectively, with a single-unit construction period of 69 months and a 10-month interval between the two units.