Bureau Veritas collaborates with Westinghouse to Ensure Quality and Safety on World’s First AP1000 Nuclear Power Plant Projects in Sanmen and Haiyang, China

BUSINESS CHALLENGE

China has an estimated new build nuclear program of 150 GWA in coming decades and has officially adopted Westinghouse Electric Company’s simpler, cheaper and safer AP1000 technology for its projects. Westinghouse was awarded two initial projects to build four reactors on two sites, Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant in Zhejiang

and Haiyang Nuclear Power Plant in Shandong.

Westinghouse sought a reliable partner to assist in implementing its Quality Assurance Program and Quality Control in the crucial projects in China at more than eight suppliers' sites and their subsuppliers.

SOLUTION

Westinghouse had received positive feedback and a good track record with Bureau Veritas and was impressed by Bureau Veritas’ ability to meet the challenge with personnel in China, especially in two areas: their understanding of the different standards and culture in China and how to best implement nuclear safety there.

Bureau Veritas' China personnel were extensively trained by Westinghouse for sub-contractor inspections where they successfully incorporated Westinghouse's culture, technical demands and quality assessment standards and procedures.

Bureau Veritas personnel are providing its local QA program with a stable group of dedicated people for the long-term project. They are tasked with the highly complex and challenging job of overseeing the work of more
than 9 locations at both the nuclear sites and at manufacturing suppliers within China.

BENEFITS

One main reason Westinghouse chose Bureau Veritas for its nuclear projects in China was that they knew from prior experience that Bureau Veritas could provide highly customized service with good organization and professional inspection teams.

With support from Westinghouse, Bureau Veritas China has built its Nuclear QA Program which not only satisfied Westinghouse Supplier Audit, but also benefits Bureau Veritas nuclear platform. Another key benefit is the cost savings obtained in working with up to 23 Bureau Veritas' Chinese local staff. In addition, thanks to its extensive presence in China and its bilingual English and Chinese personnel, Bureau Veritas can ensure the necessary flexibility and adaptability to cover the project and interact with local contractors and regulators.

Bureau Veritas is now organized to expand its nuclear training platform and provide highly skilled personnel to the client as demand continues to grow.