China launches another nuclear safety and quality improvement action

A 26 October National Energy Administration release sets out a new nuclear safety and quality improvement action, covering standardized design, modular construction, commissioning and operating support.

The launch meeting was held recently in Beijing, but the release does not identify its exact date. The action builds on the previous round and responds to the greater safety and quality-management demands associated with a growing nuclear fleet.

Construction priorities include earlier intervention in design and quality issues, greater design standardization, modular construction and digital construction sites. Operating priorities include commissioning and operation of new reactor designs, fuel-assembly reliability and the technical-service system.

The agency also calls for coordinated assessment of conventional and nuclear safety risks, interdepartmental cooperation and follow-up oversight. Operators, designers, EPC contractors, constructors and equipment manufacturers attended. This is a sector-management initiative, not a new plant approval, equipment licence or purchase award.