An expert panel appointed by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has concluded
that CANDU(R) technology is the ideal nuclear reactor design to further China's nuclear power program using thorium as an
alternative nuclear fuel source. The panel also noted the ability of CANDU pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR) to reuse
uranium recycled from light water reactor fuel and unanimously recommended that
China
consider building two new CANDU units
to take advantage of CANDU's unique capabilities in utilizing alternative fuels.
The expert panel was comprised of representatives from
China
's leading nuclear academic, government, industry and R&D
organizations. The panel confirmed that thorium use in Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's (AECL) Enhanced CANDU 6(TM) (EC6(TM))
reactor design is "technically practical and feasible", and cited the design's "enhanced safety and good economics"
as reasons it could be deployed in
China
in the near term.
"The panel's recommendation brings us one step closer to realizing the potential of CANDU nuclear technology for
China
to reduce dependence on imported nuclear fuel resources," says AECL President and Chief Executive Officer Hugh MacDiarmid.
"
China
is in a good position to utilize its abundant domestic thorium supply to power its nuclear new-build growth plan."
CANDU PHWR technology offers clear advantages over other reactor technologies in using thorium fuel. AECL has investigated
thorium fuels for over 50 years, including tests in a prototype CANDU power reactor in
Canada
, with promising results.
The panel's recommendation supports
China
's Third Qinshan Nuclear Power Co. Ltd. (TQNPC) in developing a formal proposal
to CNNC and the Chinese Government for a new-build CANDU project as a part of
China
's coming five-year plan period 2011 -
2015.
Adds MacDiarmid: "Our history with
China
's nuclear program began with twin CANDU 6 units built ahead of schedule and
under budget at Qinshan site, located southwest of
Shanghai
. We welcome the opportunity to cooperate with
China
once again
to position both our countries as world leaders in the development and commercialization of alternative nuclear fuel sources."
The Qinshan Phase III nuclear power plant includes two 728 MWe CANDU 6 PHWR reactors designed by AECL and built in cooperation
with TQNPC. The two CANDU units are ranked among the top performing nuclear power stations in
China
. Qinshan's CANDU Unit
2 ranks as the best performing reactor in
China
with a lifetime energy-availability factor to date of 88.8% according to
the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) PRIS database.
About the EC6
The Enhanced CANDU 6 (EC6) is a Generation III 740 MWe heavy water-cooled, heavy water-moderated, natural-uranium fuelled
pressure tube reactor retaining the proven features of the CANDU 6 design while incorporating design and safety improvements
to ensure that the safety, operation and performance of the EC6 meet modern international standards.
About AECL
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited is a full-service nuclear technology company, providing services to nuclear utilities
around the world. Established in 1952, AECL is the designer and builder of CANDU technology including the CANDU 6, one of
the world's top-performing reactors. AECL's 5,000 employees deliver cutting edge nuclear services, R&D support, design, and
engineering, construction management, specialized technology, refurbishment, waste management and decommissioning in support
of CANDU reactor products. More information on AECL and CANDU reactor technology can be found at
www.aecl.ca.