On June 18, 2024, the dome was successfully lifted and installed at a single stage on the reactor building of Xudapu NPP power unit No. 4 (China) constructed with involvement of the Rosatom Engineering Division. This single-stage operation was performed for the second time in the history of the Russian nuclear power industry (it was performed for the first time at power unit No. 3 of the same plant in July 2023). The mature technology ensures a significant reduction in the time of the power unit construction.
“Unlike the traditional installation of the dome in two stages, the one-stage lifting technology significantly streamlines the process and reduces the time of this work. The 740-ton dome pre-assembled on the ground was lifted by crane on the reactor building. The reactor vessel is still to be installed at Unit 4,” said Alexey Bannik, Atomstroyexport JSC Vice President for projects in China and prospective projects.
The polar crane was previously installed at the site, and this will help installing large-sized equipment after the installation and concreting works have been completed inside and outside the dome part of the reactor building.
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Xudapu NPP is a new project of cooperation between Russia and China in the field of nuclear energy, located in the city of Huludao (Liaoning Province). In 2019, a number of contracts were signed, including the General Contract for the construction of Units 3 and 4 of Xudapu NPP with VVER-1200 reactors, as well as a contract for nuclear fuel supply. In accordance with the contracts, the Russian party will design the nuclear island of the plant, supply the key equipment of the nuclear island for both units, provide designer’s supervision, installation supervision and adjustment supervision services for the equipment supplied. Commissioning of the units is scheduled for 2027–2028.
The strategic package of documents determining the major guidelines for the Russian-Chinese cooperation in the nuclear industry for the next decades was signed in June 2018. In particular, it was decided to build four new power units with Gen III+ VVER-1200 reactors, namely Units 7 and 8 of Tianwan NPP and Units 3 and 4 of Xudapu NPP.
From the Russian party, the contract was signed by the Rosatom State Corporation Engineering Division, and from the Chinese party – by CNNC companies. In accordance with the documents, the Russian party will design the NPP nuclear island and supply the key equipment of the nuclear island for both units.
Russia continues mutually beneficial cooperation with friendly countries. The implementation of major energy sector projects is underway. Rosatom’s work under the projects in China is an example of meaningful partnership that opens up new opportunities in the field of low-carbon generation.
The Rosatom State Corporation Engineering Division unites the leading companies of the nuclear industry, namely: Atomstroyexport JSC (Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, branches in Russia and abroad), Joint Design Institute – Atomenergoproekt JSC (Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, St. Petersburg branches – design institutes, branches in Russia and abroad, R&D branches) and subsidiary construction organizations.
The Engineering Division ranks first in the world by the order portfolio and the number of NPPs constructed simultaneously across the world. About 80% of the Division’s revenues originate from foreign projects.
The Engineering Division implements construction projects for high-power NPPs in Russia and across the world, renders a full range of EPC, EP, EPC(M) services including project management and design activities, and develops Multi-D technologies for the management of complex engineering facilities. The Division relies on the achievements of the Russian nuclear industry and modern cutting-edge technologies.
We construct reliable and safe NPPs with Gen III+ VVER reactors that are in line with all international requirements and recommendations. www.ase-ec.ru.
