On September 28, 2017 at 23:27, Tianwan NPS (TNPS) power unit No. 3 constructed in China under technical assistance of ASE Group of Companies, was brought to the minimum controlled level of power (MCL). It is a final stage of the physical start-up.
The process of the physical start-up of TNPS power unit No. 3 started on August 18, 2017, when, after performance of all preparatory works, the first fuel assembly (FA) was installed in the reactor. In total, 163 FA were loaded into the reactor. All works were performed in the mode of automatic operations in compliance with all safety regulations and ahead of schedule. National Nuclear Safety Administration of China (NNSA) issued an official permit for loading of the nuclear fuel into the reactor of Tianwan NPS power unit No. 3 on August 9, 2017. The fuel was loaded into the reactor ahead of schedule, and after obtainment of all necessary permits, TNPS power unit No. 3 was brought to the minimum controlled level of power on September 28, 2017. The controlled chain reaction began, the control systems fixed the appearance of the first neutrons. Further, the power start-up will take place, with TNPS power unit No. 3 connection to the China power grid.
“Today has seen a key event in construction of the Tianwan NPS second phase, - the President of ASE Group of Companies Valery Limarenko stated. – TNPS power unit No. 3 has been brought to the minimum controlled level of power to be followed by the power start-up of the reactor. It is demonstrative that the first two units constructed by us in cooperation with the Chinese colleagues, are being recognized as ones of the best in the country. At Tianwan NPS, we introduce our state-of-the-art developments and technologies in the field of nuclear power and construction management. We hope that the second phase of Tianwan NPS will also effectively serve the Chinese people, thus strengthening cooperation between our countries.”
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Tianwan NPS is the largest facility of Russian and Chinese economic cooperation. The start-up of the Tianwan NPS first phase (power units 1 and 2) took place in 2007. Every year the Tianwan NPS first phase generates more than 15 bln. kW/hour of electric power. The beginning of the commercial operation of Tianwan NPS power unit No. 3 is planned for 2018.
