The 650MWe CNP-600 pressurized water reactor at unit 2 of China’s Changjiang NPP in Hainan province has entered commercial operation, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced on 15 August. The reactor achieved first criticality on 9 June after 121 fuel assemblies were loaded into its core on 12 May. It was connected to the grid on 20 June. The National Developmental and Reform Commission initially approved construction of the Changjiang plant in July 2008 and early site works began the following December. First concrete for unit 1 was poured in April 2010 and for unit 2 in November 2010. Changjiang 1 achieved first criticality on 12 October 2015 and entered commercial operation in December.
The 650MWe CNP-600 pressurized water reactor at unit 2 of China’s Changjiang NPP in Hainan province has entered commercial operation, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced on 15 August. The reactor achieved first criticality on 9 June after 121 fuel assemblies were loaded into its core on 12 May. It was connected to the grid on 20 June. The National Developmental and Reform Commission initially approved construction of the Changjiang plant in July 2008 and early site works began the following December. First concrete for unit 1 was poured in April 2010 and for unit 2 in November 2010. Changjiang 1 achieved first criticality on 12 October 2015 and entered commercial operation in December.
The plant is a joint venture between CNNC and China Huaneng Group, with shares split 51% and 49%, respectively. The plant will eventually comprise four units, with units 3 and 4 housing either CNP-650 or ACP-600 reactors. Construction of both units is scheduled to begin by 2018. Changjiang 2 becomes CNNC's 15th power reactor in commercial operation. It now has 12,162MWe of generating capacity online. Another nine units are under construction and several more planned.