EDF examines reported leak at Taishan nuclear power plant, China

• 3 years ago (2021-06-15)
• David Flin

Asia 892 Nuclear 659

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EDF has begun examination of a potential issue linked to a build-up of inert gases at its Taishan nuclear power plant in China. EDF and its partner, China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) said that the plant was operating safely.

EDF said the build-up of the noble gases krypton and xenon had affected the primary circuit of reactor 1 of the Taishan plant. It said that this was a “known phenomenon, studied and provided for in the reactor operating procedures.”

A spokesman for EDF said that the cause could be an issue with fuel rods and seals. He said that measurements of the inert gases showed that they were below the maximum levels authorised in China He added that it was too early to say whether the reactor would have to be shut down.

CGN, the majority owner of the joint venture, said operations at the plant met safety rules and that the surrounding environment is safe. It said: “Regular monitoring data shows the Taishan station and its surrounding environment meet normal parameters.”

TNP JVC, the joint venture behind the plant, is 70 per cent owned by CGN and 30 per cent by EDF.