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Over a month after radioactive leak, China decides to shut down Taishan nuclear reactor ”for maintenance”

China has shut down a nuclear reactor for “maintenance” because of what it said was minor fuel damage, after an increase in radiation levels prompted warnings from its French designers of an “imminent radiological threat”.

The authorities switched off the new-generation European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) at Taishan in Guangdong province today, more than a month after saying minor fuel rod damage had led to the “common
phenomenon” of a build-up of radioactive gases that were no cause for concern.

“After lengthy conversations between French and Chinese technical personnel, Taishan Nuclear Power Plant decided to shut down Unit 1 for maintenance,” China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) said. It added that it was putting safety first and wanted to be “conservative in decision making”.

 Times 30th July 2021

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/china-shuts-taishan-nuclear-reactor-over-imminent-safety-threat-srx2wjw6f

August 2, 2021 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | China, safety