Taishan, the first milestone for EPR

The 2 EPR (European Pressurized Reactor), that are being built at the Taishan nuclear power station, will be the first 3. generation reactors to be operated in the world and with a power output of 1750 MWe they will be also the most powerful reactors ever built. The main new features of the EPR are: a double-concrete containment, redundant safety systems, an hydrogen recombining system and a corium recovery system. Their construction was launched in 2008 and their commissioning is expected in 2018. The initial construction deadline has been overrun but the construction period is all the way satisfactorily for a technological spearhead. China who has been constructing nuclear reactors for 30 years without a break has fully benefited from its experience. The feedback experience gained at Taishan will be useful for the Hinkley point project. (A.C.)