Russian and Chinese nuclear executives have signed the
biggest package of contracts in the history of the two
countries’ nuclear partnership. The package consists of 4
deals and envisages the construction of 4 Gen 3+ VVER-1200
units (at the Xudabao and Tianwan sites), cooperation in the
CFR-600 fast reactor pilot project, and supply of the RITEG
(Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator) parts for China’s
lunar exploration programme.
The signing ceremony was attended by Russian president
Vladimir Putin and People’s Republic of China president Xi
Jinping.
ROSATOM CEO Alexey Likhachev commented: “Today, Russia and
China are the leaders of the world’s nuclear energy [industry].
The signing of these agreements is the best confirmation of
our partnership with our Chinese friends. I note that over
the course of longstanding cooperation with our reliable
partners – China’s Atomic Energy Authority, the National
Energy Administration, and the CNNC corporation – we have
created an unprecedented level of trust. Therefore, we
developed a framework for joint design and construction at
the Tianwan site by both Russian and Chinese specialists. We
continue to jointly build the most modern Gen 3+ units in
China. Moreover, today we agreed to start the construction
of VVER-1200 power units at a greenfield site. We have great
plans to cooperate in the nuclear sphere, not only with
regard to high-power nuclear power plants.”
There were signed two deals on the construction of 4 new
units – two at the greenfield site of Xudabao and two at
Tianwan (units 7 and 8). All 4 units will feature Russia’s
latest Gen3+ VVER-1200 reactors. The reactors, as well as
all other necessary equipment, will be developed and
supplied to the nuclear island by Russian side.
Third deal envisages the supply of equipment, fuel, and
services for the CNNC-developed CFR-600 fast reactor pilot
project.
Finally, was signed a deal for the supply of radionuclide
heat units (UHR) used as parts of radioisotope
thermoelectric generators to power equipment in China’s
space programme, for use in lunar exploration in particular.
Notes to the editor:
The package of contracts was prepared in accordance with a
joint declaration by the governments of Russia and China
about the development of strategic cooperation on the use of
nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Russia and China cooperate in various nuclear energy
projects, including, but not limited to, the construction of
nuclear power plants and supplying isotope products for
nuclear medicine.
Tianwan NPP is the largest facility used in Russian-Chinese
economic cooperation. Power units No.1 and No.2 were started
up in 2007. These first two units of Tianwan NPP annually
generate above 15 billion KW/hour of electric power. Power
unit No.3 was connected to the grid last December. The
design of Tianwan NPP is based on Russia’s AES-91 project
with a VVER-1000 reactor, which fully meets the requirements
of current Chinese, Russian, and IAEA regulation. The
construction of Tianwan nuclear power plant is being carried
out by Jiangsu Nuclear Power Corporation (JNPC) in
cooperation with Russia’s Atomstroyexport, a part of the ASE
Group of Companies.
