(Image: Rosatom)

In June 2018, Russia and China signed agreements, including for the construction of two VVER-1200 reactors at the new Xudabao (also known as Xudapu) nuclear power plant site in Liaoning province.

The two units - 3 and 4 - are scheduled for commissioning in 2027-2028.

Alexey Bannik, vice president of Rosatom's JSC Atomstroyexport for projects in China, said: "The Xudabao NPP construction project is a striking example of cooperation between Russia and China in the field of high technology. Our partnership spans more than a decade, and the power units created according to the Russian design have demonstrated many years of efficient and trouble-free operation. And our joint history continues."

Agreements signed in June 2019 are for Rosatom to supply nuclear fuel, design the nuclear island, supply key equipment, as well as provide field supervision, installation supervision, and commissioning services for the supplied equipment. Turbine generators and balance of plant are being supplied by China.

Construction of Xudabao unit 3 began in July 2021, with that of unit 4 starting in May 2022. In June this year, the dome was hoisted into place on the reactor building of unit 4 in a single stage process.

When completed, the two units are expected to generate more than 18 billion kWh of electricity per year, equivalent to saving about 6.4 million tonnes of coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 18.9 million tonnes per year.

Two CAP1000 reactors - the Chinese version of the Westinghouse AP1000 - are planned for units 1 and 2 of the Xudabao plant. Construction of unit 1 began in November 2023.

The Xudabao plant is owned by Liaoning Nuclear Power Company Limited, a joint venture between China National Nuclear Corporation (70%), Datang International Power Generation Company (20%) and State Development and Investment Corporation (10%).