China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has successfully completed hydrostatic testing of the under development Fuqing unit 1 reactor coolant system, moving the unit a step closer to commissioning.
During the four-day hydrostatic testing, the pressure within the coolant loop was gradually increased to 22.8 MPa to evaluate the operation of the reactor’s water coolant lines, including valves, seals and welds.
Located in Fujian province, the Fuqing nuclear power plant will eventually house six 1,000MW units, based on Chinese-designed CPR-1000 pressurized water reactors (PWRs).
Under construction since November 2008, the Fuqing 1 will commence operation by the end of this year, while start up of the Unit 2, construction of which started in June 2009, is anticipated in September 2014.
The ground breaking ceremony for Fuqing unit 3 and 4 was held in June 2009, with construction of the former starting in December 2010.
Both reactors are scheduled to commence operation in mid-2015 and mid-2016, respectively.