Russia and China nuclear executives signed the largest contract package in the history of nuclear cooperation between the two countries at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit.
This cooperation contract package consists of four agreements, the construction of 4 units of Gen 3+ VVER-1200 type reactors (located in Xudapu and Tianwan), collaboration in the CFR-600 fast reactor model pilot, and RITEG supply (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator ) for China’s month-long exploration program.
“Russia and China are the world’s leading nuclear energy leaders in the industry,” said Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev. “After long-term cooperation with our Chinese’s partners, China’s Atomic Energy Authority, National Energy Administration and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), it has created a level of trust that has never been done before”. “Therefore, we developed a framework for joint design and construction at the Tianwan nuclear plant by specialists from Russia and China and together we will continue to build modernized Gen 3 + units in China.”
The first two agreements signed were a deal for the construction of 4 new units, two units at Xudapu and two in Tianwan (units 7 and 8). A total of 4 units will prioritize the new Gen3 + VVER-1200 type reactor. The reactor, as well as all the equipment needed, will be developed and supplied to the nuclear islands by Russia.
The third agreement deals with the supply of equipment, fuel and services for the CFR-600 type fast reactor pilot project developed by CNNC.
Finally, an agreement was also signed for the supply of a radionuclide heat unit (UHR) used as part of a radioisotope thermoelectric generator for electrical equipment in China’s space program, specifically used for month-long exploration.
