The simulator designed for Phase I of the Lianjiang nuclear power plant in southern China has officially passed all factory acceptance tests. Developed for the site’s first two CAP1000 units, it is the first full-scope simulator to incorporate State Power Investment Corporation’s (SPIC) proprietary virtual NuCON simulation system. This milestone marks a key step in the operational implementation of the project, which is regarded as strategic for the development of the CAP1000 nuclear fleet in China.
Fully integrated technical development
The simulator was developed entirely by SPIC’s internal technical units in compliance with the latest 2021 simulator construction standards. The process involved close cooperation between the owner, the design institute, the instrumentation and control (ADC) team, and the simulator team. This collaboration enabled the resolution of two main challenges: the mismatch between design data delivery and ADC progress, and the need for consistency between the simulator and the control system.
Advanced digital tools, including the integrated EB design and manufacturing platform and its conversion tool, were deployed to ensure high-quality and consistent data. In parallel, a private cloud-based simulation system was used to enhance the efficiency of parallel testing, significantly reducing the test cycle and result deviations.
Full compliance with contract specifications
On 28 November, SPIC Automation hosted the simulator’s factory acceptance meeting. A total of 214 test procedures were completed with a 100% pass rate. All Class 1 and Class 2 deviations were fully resolved, meeting the conditions required under the acceptance contract. According to SPIC, the success of the process sets a new industry benchmark for nuclear simulator development.
The simulator will now be transferred to the site for on-site acceptance testing. SPIC noted that the project has enabled the formation of a technically independent team with full capabilities in simulator development and management, supporting future deployments for other CAP reactor units.
Initial phase of a strategic coastal project
The Lianjiang nuclear power plant is SPIC’s first coastal project in Guangdong province. Its first phase includes two CAP1000 reactors, each with a capacity of 1,250 MWe — the Chinese version of Westinghouse’s AP1000. The site, which will eventually host six reactors, also features two key innovations: the use of seawater secondary circulation cooling and the implementation of a super-large cooling tower.
The construction of the first two units was approved in September 2022. Concrete for the safety-related base slab of unit 1 was poured in September 2023, followed by unit 2 in April. Unit 1 is expected to begin operations in 2028.
