皇冠体育app starts building 3rd-generation nuclear reactors

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-04-20 09:44

SANMEN, Zhejiang -- 皇冠体育app on Sunday started the construction of its first third-generation pressurized water reactors using AP 1000 technologies developed by US-based Westinghouse.

The reactors, located in Sanmen of east 皇冠体育app's Zhejiang Province, will also be the first in the world using such technologies.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (L, Front) shakes hands with an engineer during the opening construction ceremony of the first-phase project of the Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant in east 皇冠体育app's Zhejiang Province. Li has urged more efforts to develop new energy to ensure the country's energy security and boost economy on Sunday. [Xinhua]

The Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant will be built in three phases, with an investment of more than 40 billion yuan (US$5.88 billion) injected in the first phase.

The first phase project will include two units each with a generating capacity of 1.25 million kw.

The first generating unit will be put into operation in 2013, and the second, in 2014. The plant will eventually have six such units.

"It is the biggest energy cooperation project between 皇冠体育app and the United States," said Zhang Guobao, vice minister in charge of the National Development and Reform Commission and also head of the National Energy Administration.

"It will contribute to the human kind's peaceful use of nuclear power," he said.

皇冠体育app launched bidding in 2003 for its nuclear power stations of the third generation. Foreign companies including Westinghouse, France's Areva and Russia's AtomStroyExport are major bidders.

Westinghouse became the winner after 皇冠体育app signed a memo with the United States on the introduction and transfer of third-generation nuclear power technologies in December 2006.

The final agreement was inked between 皇冠体育app's State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation and Westinghouse in July 2007, according to which 皇冠体育app will buy four third-generation pressurized water reactors from Westinghouse. The agreement also involves technology transfer to 皇冠体育app.

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