China powers up next-generation nuclear plant

French energy giant EDF and its partner China General Nuclear Power Group announced Friday that they have powered up the world's first next-generation EPR nuclear reactor, a major milestone for the industry.

The Taishan 1 project has been under development for many years and is the world's first EPR reactor - which uses a pressurised water design - to enter into commercial service.

The two EPR reactors at the Taishan nuclear power plant will be the most powerful in the world when fully completed and can supply 5 million Chinese users, the companies said in a press release.

EPR reactors promise advances in safety and efficiency over conventional reactors while producing less waste.

Yet EDF has faced serious problems rolling out the technology and has managed to sell just a handful of the reactors as construction problems piled up.

The Taishan project is a joint venture between majority shareholder CGN and minority shareholders EDF and regional Chinese utility Yuedian.

"As the world's first EPR project, Taishan offers valuable lessons and solutions for the construction of similar reactors worldwide," said He Yu, Chairman of China General Nuclear Power Group.

The new plant will prevent the emission of around 21 million tons of carbon dioxide a year, the companies said.

Taishan 1 "is a key achievement for the entire French nuclear industry," said Jean-Bernard Levy, EDF Chairman and CEO.

"EPR is a major asset in addressing the challenge facing many countries: reconciling the growth of electricity demand with the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions," he added.