The average capacity factor of Qinshan Nuclear Power Base ranks first in the world
On January 1, the Qinshan Nuclear Power Base, which is controlled by China Nuclear Power Investment and Holdings, a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation, ushered in a "good start" - the average capacity factor of the base's nine nuclear power units in 2023 reached 96.8%. According to the data released by the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), this performance ranks first among nuclear power bases with six or more units in the world, setting a record for the safe and stable operation of similar bases.
The unit capacity factor refers to the ratio of the power generation that can be obtained in a certain period of time to the reference power generation, which is recognized by the international nuclear power industry as one of the important indicators that can best reflect the safety management level of nuclear power and measure the safe power generation capacity of the unit, which is mainly used to measure the availability of nuclear power units and monitor whether the power station can maintain a high unit reliability. In addition, the average capacity factor of the multi-unit nuclear power base is affected by many factors such as the overhaul plan and arrangement of the multi-unit nuclear power plant and the rational allocation of resources, and its average capacity factor can better reflect the operation and management level of the nuclear power plant.
In 2023, China Nuclear Power, a subsidiary of CNNC, actively benchmarked against the world's best and created a Chinese-style "Nuclear Power Operational Excellence Model", which is a reflection of its commitment to improving its operation and management level.
As the birthplace of China's independent nuclear power, Qinshan Nuclear Power Base is known as the "glory of the country" and has been operating safely for more than 30 years. Qinshan Nuclear Power Base has a total of 9 units in operation, with a total installed capacity of more than 6.66 million kilowatts, making it the nuclear power base with the largest number of nuclear power units and the most abundant reactor types in China.
In recent years, the operating performance of Qinshan Nuclear Power Base has increased year by year, and the average capacity factor of units has exceeded 90% for seven consecutive years. In 2023, the Qinshan Nuclear Power Base will complete the annual power generation task ahead of schedule, and the power generation capacity will hit a record high, achieving the "ninth consecutive increase" in annual power generation since it was fully completed and put into operation. In the past four years, a total of 30 units of the base have achieved full scores in the WANO operation composite index. At present, the Qinshan Nuclear Power Base has safely generated more than 800 billion kWh, which is equivalent to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 740 million tons and planting trees in 500 West Lake scenic spots.
