Tianwan expands through Sino-Russian nuclear expansion

Key components for the Tianwan 7 and 8 reactors, including a VVER-1200 reactor, have been shipped from Russia to China, marking a crucial milestone in the plant's expansion.
Tianwan Nucléaire Sino-Russe

Partagez:

Last year, the VVER-1200 reactor vessel and four steam generators for the Tianwan 7 unit were shipped. In addition to two of the four steam generators for unit 8. These major components, produced at the Atommash plant in Volgodonsk in southern Russia, traveled thousands of kilometers, including two months at sea, to reach the Chinese coast. These impressive logistics underline the scale and complexity of the operations required to support large-scale energy infrastructure projects.

Technical and strategic cooperation

Igor Kotov, head of Rosatom’s mechanical engineering division, stressed the importance of collaboration with Chinese colleagues in the development strategy. In his view, this cooperation is crucial not only for the quality and mutually beneficial implementation of projects, but also as a guarantee of on-time delivery and high product quality. This partnership provides a solid basis for expanding cooperation and exploring new avenues.

Tianwan’s capacity and future development

The Tianwan nuclear power plant, operated by Jiangsu Nuclear Power Company, a partnership between China National Nuclear Corporation (50%), China Power Investment Corporation (30%) and Jiangsu Guoxin Group (20%), is a cornerstone of China’s energy strategy. In June 2018, Russia and China signed four agreements, including the construction of two VVER-1200 reactors as units 7 and 8 of the Tianwan power plant. These units are due to come on stream in 2026-2027, significantly increasing the region’s clean energy production capacity. The progress of the Tianwan project, with the addition of units 7 and 8, demonstrates the two nations’ ongoing commitment to strengthening nuclear cooperation. These developments are not just a testimony to technological progress. Indeed, it also sets an example of effective international collaboration in energy development.

After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.