China's World's First Nuclear Plant Now Connected To Electrical Grid

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 (Bernama) -- The world’s first AP1000 nuclear power plant located in Sanmen, Zhejiang Province, China has begun initial connection to the electrical grid, Westinghouse Electric Company and its customers announced. Westinghouse’s customers include China State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation (SNPTC) and CNNC Sanmen Nuclear Power Company Limited (SMNPC), a statement said. Senior vice-president, New Project Business at Westinghouse, David Durham said it is an exciting time for the company, its China customers and the nuclear industry as they proudly move closer and closer to 100 per cent power and commercial operation at Sanmen 1. The Sanmen 1’s turbine generator is now initially connected to the electrical grid and has begun generating electricity with capability to generate 1,117 megawatts of electricity at full power. It is also the first of a fleet of four new AP1000 plants in eastern China and will provide safe, reliable and environmentally-friendly energy for the next 60+ years. Currently, Westinghouse has six AP1000 nuclear power plants progressing through construction, testing and start-up including four units in China and two units near Waynesboro, Georgia, USA. More information at www.westinghousenuclear.com. -- BERNAMA