The CANDU 300: An Overview with Emphasis on Constructability

Abstract

The CANDU nuclear power system is under continuous review by AECL in order to advance the CANDU concept in a manner that will assure competitiveness in both current and future markets. Over the past three years development effort has featured the CANDU 300, a CANDU nuclear generating station with a net output in the range of 320 MW(e) to 380 MW(e). At the outset AECL recognized that coal-fired power plants would be the primary competition for the CANDU 300. The CANDU 300 therefore retains inherent CANDU advantages such as the use of natural uranium fuel and on-power refuelling, while enhancing capacity factor, reducing man-rem exposure, reducing capital cost, and minimizing construction schedules. AECL believes that the resulting CANDU 300 nuclear generating station will have substantial appeal to many utilities, in both developed and developing countries. The key features of the CANDU 300 are presented here, with particular attention to the station layout, construction methods, and construction schedules.