Tianwan nuclear power unit 7 in Jiangsu connects to grid for the first time
In short
Unit 7 of the Tianwan nuclear power plant, controlled by China National Nuclear Power under China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), connected to the grid for the first time on October 8 and sent its first electricity to the grid. Outlets reported that the unit is expected to enter commercial operation within the year and will generate nearly 10 billion kWh a year.
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Unit 7 of the Tianwan nuclear power plant connected to the grid for the first time on October 8, CLS, Yicai, Jiemian and 36Kr reported. CLS and 36Kr said the unit, controlled by China National Nuclear Power, a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), sent its first kilowatt-hour of electricity to the grid, laying the groundwork for later commercial operation. Jiemian, citing CNNC, reported that the unit completed its first grid connection and power generation that day. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
According to Jiemian, which credited CCTV News, unit 7 is in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, uses third-generation nuclear power technology and has a design life of 60 years. Yicai and Jiemian reported that the single unit will generate nearly 10 billion kWh of electricity a year. [ 2 , 3 ]
Zhang Yi (张毅), chairman of CNNC's Jiangsu Nuclear Power Co., said unit 7 is expected to enter commercial operation within this year, Jiemian reported. CLS and 36Kr also reported that the unit is expected to begin commercial operation within the year. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
The Tianwan base is planned to have eight units, which Jiemian described as million-kilowatt-class reactors. Once all eight are in operation, total installed capacity will exceed 9 million kW, annual generation will exceed 70 billion kWh and carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by 57.4 million tonnes a year, according to CLS, 36Kr and Zhang as quoted by Jiemian. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
The outlets gave different figures for the existing units. CLS and 36Kr said units 1 to 6 had generated more than 550 billion kWh safely and stably, while Jiemian said units 1 to 6 are in commercial operation with cumulative electricity supplied to the grid of more than 500 billion kWh. Jiemian also reported that unit 8, which is under construction, is planned to complete commercial operation in 2027. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The grid connection lays the groundwork for the unit's commercial operation, which is expected within the year, according to the reports. Once all eight planned units at the Tianwan base are running, total installed capacity will exceed 9 million kW and annual generation will exceed 70 billion kWh, outlets reported.
Key facts
- Tianwan nuclear power unit 7 connected to the grid for the first time on October 8. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The unit is controlled by China National Nuclear Power, a CNNC subsidiary. [ 1 , 4 ]
- Unit 7 is located in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, uses third-generation nuclear technology and has a 60-year design life. [ 3 ]
- The unit will generate nearly 10 billion kWh a year. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Unit 7 is expected to enter commercial operation within the year. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- The Tianwan base is planned to have eight units; with all of them running, capacity will exceed 9 million kW and annual generation 70 billion kWh. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- The completed base is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 57.4 million tonnes a year. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- Unit 8, under construction, is planned to complete commercial operation in 2027. [ 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Tianwan nuclear power unit 7 connected to the grid for the first time on October 8. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Unit 7 is expected to enter commercial operation within the year. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- Unit 7 will generate nearly 10 billion kWh a year. [ 2 , 3 ]
- With all eight planned units running, the Tianwan base will exceed 9 million kW of capacity and 70 billion kWh of annual generation, cutting CO2 emissions by 57.4 million tonnes a year. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
Still unclear
- How much electricity units 1 to 6 have produced so far. CLS and 36Kr say more than 550 billion kWh generated; Jiemian says more than 500 billion kWh of cumulative on-grid electricity.
- Unit 8 is planned to complete commercial operation in 2027. Reported only by Jiemian, citing CCTV News.
- Unit 7 uses third-generation technology and has a 60-year design life. Reported only by Jiemian.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- CLS reports that Tianwan unit 7 has connected to the grid for the first time. [ 1 ]
- Yicai reports the first grid connection and the unit's nearly 10 billion kWh annual output. [ 2 ]
- Jiemian reports the connection, citing CNNC, with comments from Jiangsu Nuclear Power chairman Zhang Yi. [ 3 ]
- 36Kr reports the first grid connection. [ 4 ]