The first concrete has been poured at Sanmen for the construction of China’s first AP1000 nuclear reactor.

Despite difficulties in arranging the ceremony, work went ahead at the end of March, so the reactor is now properly under construction.

Site works began in February 2008 and an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract was signed in March 2009 between the State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation and China National Nuclear Corporation on behalf of Sanmen Nuclear Power Co and China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Group for two units.

The work will be overseen by Westinghouse and Shaw. First power is expected late in August 2013.

- News courtesy of World Nuclear News