Rosatom’s Alexei Likhachev, pictured above left, and China Atomic Energy Agency’s Shan Zhongde signed one on cooperation in developing human resources for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The agreement provides for “the exchange of experience and best practices in training personnel for the nuclear industries, and the development of cooperation between the youth and women’s industry communities of the two countries”.
Likhachev and Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on scientific and technical cooperation in nuclear fusion.
A separate MoU was signed by Likhachev and Chinese Academy of Sciences President Hou Jianguo on cooperation in science and technology, with areas including nuclear fusion as well as nuclear medicine, accelerator technology, and new photonic and quantum technologies.
Likhachev said: “Our countries share a long history of strategic partnership, not only in the construction of nuclear power plants but also in the development of future technologies. Memoranda of understanding on long-term cooperation in fundamental areas of science and technology, primarily controlled thermonuclear fusion, signify our commitment to move forward together, shoulder to shoulder, and ensure leadership in these areas.”
Presidents’ joint statement
Following their talks, a joint statement was issued by China’s President Xi Jinping and President Putin, which covered their views on a global situation which “is becoming more complex”.
In its references to energy, it said: “The parties, highly appreciating the significant results of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation, agreed to continue to strengthen their comprehensive partnership in the energy sector, support the two countries’ organisations in deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in the oil, gas, and coal sectors, the use of peaceful nuclear energy and renewable energy, including ‘green’ certificates, ensure the safety and stability of the operation of cross-border energy infrastructure, facilitate the unimpeded transportation of energy resources, promote a deeper dialogue between energy-producing and energy-consuming countries, jointly maintain the stability of global energy markets, and improve the level of energy security based on the principles of energy justice.
“The parties intend to continue implementing the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant and Xudapu Nuclear Power Plant construction projects, ensure the timely completion of construction work and commissioning of the facilities, and, on this basis, deepen cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, consistently promote cooperation in the areas of nuclear fusion, fast neutron reactors, and the closed nuclear fuel cycle, and develop cooperation in the form of package agreements in the area of the initial stage of the nuclear fuel cycle and the joint construction of new nuclear power plants based on the principles of mutual benefit and a balance of interests.”
And on space, where nuclear power and nuclear propulsion systems are set to be deployed: “The parties agreed to continue implementing large-scale space projects that meet the shared interests of Russia and China and are included in their national space programmes, actively promote cooperation, and systematically increase the level of interaction in key areas of space activities, including the International Lunar Research Station, lunar exploration, and deep space exploration.”
Construction projects
In June 2018, Russia and China signed agreements for the construction of two VVER-1200 reactors as units 7 and 8 of the Tianwan plant. Construction of unit 7 began in May 2021, with that of unit 8 starting in February 2022. The units are scheduled to be put into commercial operation in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
It was also agreed that two further VVER-1200 units were to be constructed at the Xudabao (also known as Xudapu) site in Liaoning province. Construction began on these two units – 3 and 4 – in July 2021 and May 2022, respectively. Commissioning of the units is scheduled for 2027 and 2028, respectively.
