China's first nuclear power plant sets new record

The Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, China's first indigenous nuclear power plant set a record high in 2023 of 96.8 percent in its unit capability factor (UCF), based on statistics provided by the World Association of Nuclear Operators, known as WANO.

The power plant is located in Haiyan County, east China's Zhejiang Province and is owned by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).

The feat is achieved by factoring in overall performance across nine power units in the plant, according to the company. The UCF is a key indicator WANO uses to evaluate the performance and management level of nuclear power plants.

"The management level can be better reflected through multi-units, over a long operating time," said Shang Xianhe, general manager of Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant.

"Only one unit having a high score does not represent outstanding management. All power units having a superior performance truly means it has good status," he said.

The manager said many factors in the plant have contributed to the result, from overhaul optimization and device reliability, to innovation, motivation, and the levels of digital transformation.

He added that information across these areas is shared with WANO.

"More than 400 power units around the world have joined WANO and everyone shares information with the organization based on the principle of openness and transparency," Shang said, adding that the UCF is an important indicator of the performance of a power plant.

The power plant was launched in 1991. Its newest and ninth power unit was put into commercial use in 2015.

The manager said that they took about 15 years to increase the overall UCF from 80 percent to the current levels, and that they will continue the trend while sharing information with others.