China expects large numbers of third-generation PWR reactors derived from foreign technology to be built from about 2016, after experience is gained with the initial Sanmen and Haiyang AP1000 plants.

A report now suggests that the Westinghouse AP1000 will be boosted, perhaps to 1400 MWe, as Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research & Design Institute (SNERDI) takes over much of the design work.

The agreement with Westinghouse is for the company to transfer technology over the first four units so that the State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation (SNPTC) can build the following ones on its own. However, it would not be able to export the units unless the design was substantially modified by SNERDI.

- Information courtesy of Australia Uranium Association Weekly Digest