Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping celebrated the start of construction of four new reactors in two Chinese nuclear power plants in a video conference. Units 7 and 8 of the Tianwan nuclear power plant and 3 and 4 of the Xudabao nuclear power plant are being jointly built by companies from both countries.
On the occasion of the virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the 20th anniversary of the signing of a friendship treaty between his country and Russia, Xi said that energy has always been the largest area of cooperation, especially nuclear energy. He wants to work with Putin to expand cooperation further.
According to a message from the Kremlin, the Russian President emphasized: In addition to the construction of new reactors in Tianwan and Xudabao, there are many other major Russian-Chinese initiatives. This includes an experimental fast neutron reactor that was built in China with the participation of Russia.
Together against climate change
China, in turn, could be part of an international consortium that is to build a research breeder reactor in Dimitrovgrad, Russia, and conduct research into closing the nuclear fuel cycle. Russia also provided China with nuclear components for the Chang’e 4 spacecraft, which was the first to land on the other side of the moon in 2019.
This and other work will help provide the world with clean energy, implement international climate goals and contribute to sustainable development, Putin said. Xi emphasized that combating climate change is a common challenge for all countries. China and Russia should broaden their understanding of these challenges and undertake even more ambitious projects for low-carbon cooperation.
The Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant, which is operated in cooperation with the Sino-Russian Federation, currently consists of five reactors that are in commercial operation. The sixth is currently being built. All are like the two planned pressurized water reactors. So far, reactors are only planned in Xudabao.
(anw)
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