The project is being developed in phases by Guangxi Fangchenggang Nuclear Power, a joint venture of CGN and Guangxi Investment Group, in collaboration with Ratchaburi Electricity Generating (RATCH), a subsidiary of the state-owned Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.
The first phase of the nuclear plant involves construction of two units, each with 1.08GW capacity and featuring CGN’s independent gigawatt-level advanced pressurized water reactor (CPR1000) technology.
The first unit entered commercial operation on 01 January 2016 while the second unit began operations on 01 October 2016.
Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region Energy Administration deputy director Mai Guifu said: “It will bring environment benefits equal to those of 32,500ha of forests, helping China play an active role in controlling air pollution, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving environmental protection.
“Fangchenggang NPP has set up comprehensive radioactive wastes management and environmental monitoring systems and the Guangxi government also establishes its own monitoring system.”
Designed to have operational life of 40 years, the first two units of the nuclear power plant are expected to provide 15Twh of electricity of annually.
The second phase of the project involves construction of two units with an installed capacity of 1.18GW each. The units will feature one HPR1000 (Hualong-1), Gen-III nuclear power reactor.
Separately, CGN has reportedly commenced the construction of the country’s first floating nuclear power reactor, ACPR50S, for deployment off the coast by the end of 2020.
Dongfang Electric will supply the reactor pressure vessel, which will enclose the 200MW reactor core, reported Reuters.
Image: The Fangchenggang nuclear power plant in China. Photo: courtesy of China General Nuclear Power Corporation.
