Doosan to supply I&C system for Xudapu 3 and 4

The I&C is the core system of a nuclear power plant, serving as the brain and neural network in the plant and providing integrated management solutions for operation, control, monitoring, instrumentation and emergency safety functions. An IAPS system forms part of an I&C system.

The general contract for Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactors for units 3 and 4 of the Xudabao plant was signed in June 2019 by Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom's engineering subsidiary ASE and China National Nuclear Corporation.

Doosan's IAPS will be used in the VVER-1200 units to automatically shut down the reactor if the earthquake sensor reaches or exceeds the set value during operation of the plant.

Doosan said it will follow through with design, manufacturing, testing and installation of IAPS for Xudapu Units 3 and 4 by 2024.

In January 2018, Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction signed a Memorandum of Understaning with China General Nuclear subsidiary CTEC to promote cooperation, which contributed to the award of the IAPS contract.

"This contract means that Doosan's technology has been recognised by the Chinese nuclear power market," said Doosan CEO Kiyong Na. "By the end of 2050, China will have 39 nuclear power plants under construction. We will continue to seek ways to expand cooperation with CTEC for further business partnership and accomplishment in the Chinese nuclear power market."

Doosan has previosuly been awarded a number of nuclear-related contracts in China. In 1997, it signed a contract with Third Qinshan Nuclear Power Company Ltd to supply major equipment for Phase III of the Qinshan nuclear power plant in Zhejiang province. In 2005, it signed a contract with China Nuclear Energy Industry Corporation to supply the reactor pressure vessels for Phase II of the Qinshan plant. It also supplied the reactor vessels and steam generators for the AP1000 units at Sanmen 1 and Haiyang 1 under a contract signed with State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation in 2012.

The Xudabao project was originally expected to comprise six Chinese-designed CAP1000 reactors, with units 1 and 2 in the first phase. Site preparation began in November 2010. The National Development and Reform Commission gave its approval for the project in January 2011. China's National Nuclear Safety Administration announced its approval of the site selection for Xudabao units 1 and 2 in April 2014. Xudabao units 3 and 4 are expected to be commissioned in 2027-2028.

CTEC's I&C products have been used in several Chinese nuclear power plants, including those at Daya Bay, Qinshan, Hongyanhe, Ningde, Yangjiang, Fangchenggang and Shidao Bay.

Doosan is a major nuclear power equipment supplier and has participated in the construction of power plants in China, South Korea, the UAE and the USA.