Located in Haiyang, Shandong Province, Shandong Haiyang Nuclear Power Plant plans to build 6×1000MW class nuclear power units, totaling installed capacity of 8700MW. When all the units are put into operation, their annual electricity generation will reach 90% that of the Three Gorges.

 

Shandong Haiyang Nuclear Power Plant adopts the world-leading AP1000 third generation nuclear power technology, with a rated single unit capacity of 1250MW and design life cycle of 60 years. When Phase I is put into operation, 16.2 TWh will be generated per year. The first unit is scheduled for commercial operation in May 2014.

 

Characteristics of AP1000 third generation nuclear power technology:

 

1.      Advanced

 

The standard AP1000 design is based on the pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology of Westinghouse, which is the safest and most advanced existing nuclear power technology with over 2500 reactors years of successful operation.

 

2.      Passive safety

 

Compared with traditional PWR design, AP1000 design has two major differences. First, it uses the passive safety system to reduce anticipated accidents in design conditions and improve plant safety. The passive system relies on natural forces only, including gravity, natural circulation and compressed air. Should any design basis accident occur, the passive engineered safety system takes account of the most serious single failure and can ensure 72-hour safe shutdown without operator action and internal and external non-safety related power source.

 

3.      Economy

 

Compared with traditional PWR nuclear power plant, passive safety system requires 50% fewer valves, 35% fewer pumps, 80% fewer pipes, 55% less area of seismic buildings and 85% fewer cables, simplifying the safety system and considerably reducing the cost of safety equipment. When AP1000 is localized, it will be significantly competitive in China.