2010-07-19 16:26

China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on July 15 approved the construction of the first phase of Fangchenggang nuclear power plant project in southern China's Guangxi province.

The first phase of construction, which involves 24 billion yuan ($3.54 billion)of total investment, will commence in late July.

Fangchenggang nuclear power plant will have six 1000 megawatt pressurized water reactor (PWR) units. In its first phase, two improved Chinese PWRs will be installed. The No 1 and No 2 units are planned to go into commercial operation in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

The first phase of Fangchenggang nuclear power project will cut coal consumption by 6 million tons, carbon dioxide emissions by about 14.8 million tons, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides by 136.4 thousand tons compared with a same-scaled coal-fired power plant, and the environmental benefits equal what a 98.2-hectare forest creates.

The project is invested by Guangxi Fangchenggang Nuclear Power Co Ltd, a joint venture of China Guangdong Nuclear Power Holding Corporation and Guangxi Investment Group. Guangdong Nuclear Power Holding is the primary player in project construction and management.