On March 1, the millimeter-precise placement of the CA20 module in the second unit of the Lufeng nuclear power plant was recorded in Guangdong province. This technical operation was led by CNNC 23 Engineering, representing tangible progress in the country’s energy infrastructure expansion and consolidating efficiency in modular construction methods.
Installation and Calibration of the CA20 Module
This cubic-configuration component stands out for its impressive scale, measuring 20 meters in length and weighing over 1,000 tons in total. The assembly process integrates 32 wall modules and 39 floor modules, specifically designed to house critical heat exchange systems and spent fuel storage.
The implementation of CAP1000 technology, based on the Westinghouse AP1000 design, has followed an intensive schedule after receiving the corresponding authorizations from the State Council in August 2024.
Furthermore, the pouring of the first safety-related concrete in this unit occurred just last December, demonstrating an accelerated assembly pace through the use of prefabricated supermodules. The Lufeng development also contemplates the future deployment of Hualong One reactors for units 5 and 6 to diversify the technology available at the site.
According to projections from China General Nuclear, the complete operating complex will have the capacity to generate approximately 52 TWh annually once completed. This figure implies a reduction in fuel dependency and a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
The integration of these large-scale components constitutes the direct path toward a cleaner and more efficient energy matrix for the Guangdong region through the utilization of controlled nuclear fission.
Source and photo: CNNC