The two reactor units will produce 1,100MW each and are expected to be operational by 2022
The thermal testing of the 1,100MW K2 reactor at the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (Kanupp), also referred to as hot functional tests (HTFs), has successfully completed. This is the first unit of its kind using China’s homegrown ‘Hualong One’ technology. Kanupp-1, a 137MW reactor unit has been operational in Karachi since 1972.
China is building two Hualong One reactors with a capacity of 1,100MW each located at the Karachi Nuclear Power Complex on the coast of the city. These units have an operational life of 60 years and their combined capacity is almost a tenth of the total energy production of the country. The construction work of the two projects, dubbed as Kanupp-2 and Kanupp-3 reactor units, started in August 2015 and May 2016 respectively. The start of commercial operations from the two projects is expected in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Chinese media has reported that the outer containment dome of the K3 unit at Kannup was successfully installed in August. The reports also suggest that the structure of the nuclear power plant had been completed.
“The HFTs play a significant role in the construction of the nuclear power project, simulating the actual operation conditions of the nuclear power plant to verify the reliability of the main equipment and systems under the thermal conditions, before the nuclear reactor is loaded with nuclear fuel,” the China National Nuclear Corporation said.
“The success has laid a solid foundation for subsequent major processes, including nuclear fuel loading and grid-connected power generation,” it added.
“It is also a comprehensive inspection on the quality of the reactor coolant system equipment, pipeline sealing and welding, as well as the design, manufacture and installation of relevant systems.”