China’s Oldest Nuclear Power Reactor Passes Long Term Safety Review
1. January 2020The pressurized water reactor Qinshan 1 in the Chinese province of Zhejiang was built in 1991 with an original capacity of 300 MWe. Earlier in 2019 the generating capacity had been uprated to 350 MWe and the operator applied for an extension of its operating license at China’s National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA). The current operating license would expire in 2021 and the goal is to renew it for another 20 years.
At the same time an international expert team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has completed a review of the long-term operational safety of the nuclear reactor. After an initial review in 2017, this year’s review was a follow-up to assess the progress of implementing the recommendations to improve operational safety.
The review team noted improvements in the programs to manage ageing electrical and control components and the implementation of internal knowledge management processes. A full report has been handed over to the plant operator and the NNSA for comments.
The recently upgraded capacity is a result of the continuous improvements and technical updates that have been implemented over the years, and reflect the progress of China’s nuclear program.
Many components for nuclear power plants require a HAF 604 registration for the Chinese market.
Without a HAF 604 approval the use of the many nuclear components is not possible in China.
Please contact us with any questions regarding the HAF 604 Certification or the Chinese nuclear market in general. Send us an Email or call us: +49 69 2713769150
