China's oldest nuclear power plant – Qinshan – has finished its expansion project with the launch of a new 650-MW reactor Sunday.
According to China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), the pressurized water reactor power-generating unit takes the total number of generator units in Qinshan to seven and the total capacity to 4.32 million kW. The plant is expected to now generate about 34 billion kWh of electricity annually.
The two-unit expansion project began in 2006, with the first put into commercial use in October 2010. The new units are designed, built and operated by Chinese companies, said Chen Hua, assistant general manager of CNNC.
China has 15 nuclear reactors in operation with 26 more reactors under construction, according to the National Energy Administration.