Russia builds 2 units at China’s Xudabao NPP

Two power units at Xudabao NPP in Liaoning Province of China are being implemented according to Russian design with VVER 1200 reactor.

Meanwhile, the core catcher casing installed at its design position at unit-3 recently. The casing is 6.1 meter in height and weighs 156 tons, reads a press release.

The core catcher belongs to passive safety systems, is a device provided to catch the molten core material (corium) of a nuclear reactor in case of a nuclear meltdown following a very unlikely severe accident, and prevent it from escaping the containment building.

Xudabao NPP is a new project of cooperation between Russia and China in the field of nuclear energy.

In 2019, a number of contracts, including the General Contract for the construction of units 3 and 4 of Xudabao NPP with VVER-1200 reactors and supply of nuclear fuel were signed between China and Russia, the press release added.

Under the contracts, Russia will also design the ‘nuclear island’ of the plant, supply key equipment for the nuclear islands in both the power units, provide designer supervision, installation supervision and adjustment supervision services for the equipment supplied. Commissioning of the unit is scheduled for 2027-2028, it reads.

Both the units of Rooppur NPP are being constructed according to Russian design with generation III+ VVER 1200 reactors, that meets all the international safety requirements. The units are equipped with both active and passive systems including core catcher.