Liu Hua, vice-minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and head of the National Nuclear Safety Administration, issued CNNC ratification for fuel-loading of Unit 1 at Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant in Beijing on April 25. 

The ratification confirms that the world’s first AP1000 nuclear unit has met the requirements for fuel loading, including its design, civil engineering, installation, debugging and production. The system is expected to be put into operation soon.

After receiving the ratification, Sanmen NNP began loading the first fueling equipment assemblies.

The Sanmen project adopts the advanced passive pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power technology－AP1000, led and contracted by State Power Investment Corporation in developing nuclear island. And CNNC takes the responsibility of guaranteeing construction, operations and security. 

Since construction on the project started in April 2009, it has always adhered to the principles of "safety and quality first", solved various problems as they arose in the process of equipment development and construction, and has achieved substantial engineering progress.

The successful construction of the Sanmen nuclear power project further improves the level and capability of China’s nuclear power construction and equipment manufacturing, and shows that China has taken a giant step toward becoming a nuclear powerhouse.

The approval ceremony is held in Beijing on April 25. [Photo/CNNC]

Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant [Photo/CNNC]