Wedoany.com Report-Jun 10, Petrozavodskmash, part of Rosatom’s machine-building division in Russia, has produced and shipped an 80-tonne emergency core cooling system tank for the Xudabao nuclear power plant in Liaoning province, China. The tank, with a 60-cubic-meter capacity and a diameter of about three meters, was manufactured to mark the plant’s 65th anniversary. It will hold a boric acid solution to cool the reactor core in case of a pressure drop, with four such tanks per unit. The final tank for Xudabao unit 4 is scheduled for shipment in June.

The tank is part of the safety systems for Xudabao units 3 and 4, where construction began in July 2021 and May 2022, respectively. These VVER-1200 reactors, set for commissioning in 2027 and 2028, are expected to generate over 18 billion kWh annually, reducing coal use by approximately 6.4 million tonnes and CO2 emissions by about 18.9 million tonnes per year. The Xudabao plant is operated by Liaoning Nuclear Power Company Limited, a joint venture led by China National Nuclear Corporation (70%), with Datang International Power Generation Company (20%) and State Development and Investment Corporation (10%).

Igor Kotov, head of Rosatom’s Machine-Building Division, stated: “Rosatom’s machine builders have now manufactured 95% of the contracted equipment for the four new power units being built at the Tianwan and Xudapu nuclear power plants. In particular, main circulation pipelines, main circulation pump housings, equipment for safety systems and much, much more have been shipped from Petrozvodskmash.”

Andrey Nikipelov, Deputy Director General of Rosatom for Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Solutions, added: “Petrozavodskmash produces equipment that is unique for the industry and participates in all Rosatom projects for the construction of nuclear power plants. In the coming years, the company will have a lot more work.”

Artur Parfenchikov, head of the Republic of Karelia, where Petrozavodskmash is located, said: “Petrozavodskmash makes a great contribution to the economy and industrial development of Karelia ... and in this anniversary year, we honour the veterans of the plant, talk about achievements ... it creates new jobs, increases the tax base of our budget ... [and] is an interesting and promising place to work for our Karelian youth.”

The project strengthens collaboration between Russia and China in nuclear energy, supporting sustainable energy goals through advanced reactor technology and safety systems.