On April 16th, Mr. Liu Dan, Chairman and General Manager of TNPJVC, attended the IAEA International Conference on Enhancing the Operational Safety of Nuclear Power Plants and delivered the speech titled “Nuclear Safety Culture Drives the Enhancement of EPR Operational Performance”. Hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), guided by the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) and undertaken by the China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA), the third IAEA International Conference on Enhancing the Operational Safety of Nuclear Power Plants was held in China for the first time, where over 40 countries attended.

Unit 1 and 2 in TSNP are the world’s first two EPR units put into operation. Faced with the challenges of operating the first EPR, TNPJVC gradually explored and developed the operation system for nuclear safety culture-driven performance improvement, which enhanced the operational performance of Taishan Power Plant. Mr. Liu Dan shared the operation model for TSNP’s performance improvement --- “1831”, namely 1 first EPR spirit, 8 traits of nuclear safety culture, 3 performance improvement factors and 1 team.

Mr. Liu Dan pointed out that the first EPR reactor spirit takes shape after a decade of dedication of TNPJVC, forging an immense driving force propelling the construction and operation personnel of the first EPR reactor forward. TNPJVC is committed to implementing the nuclear safety culture in the nuclear safety management system. The nuclear safety culture is embraced in mind and manifested in action, and turned into self-motivated action of all employees. The performance improvement focuses on 3 factors “human, organization, technology”, in other words, the safety culture competence, comprehensive and effective management system, improvement of system and equipment condition. Eventually, the safety culture level and performance of TNPJVC have made great strides because the big team that is dedicated to the construction and operation of the first EPR reactor is courageous in endeavor and diligent in mastery. In 2023, TNPJVC has achieved “six-zero” in terms of safety and operations for 3 consecutive years. 87.5% of WANO indicators have reached the best quartile.

In the end, Mr. Liu Dan said that, TNPJVC would continue to leverage the leadership performance. Guided by nuclear safety culture, the domestic and foreign good practices are benchmarked. Through pursuit of continuous improvement of plant performance, efforts are made to become the showcase of the 3rd generation nuclear power operation, and contribute China’s solution for EPR nuclear power operation.

In the group discussion session, Mr. Liu Dan answered the questions from the audience, shared the related experience in Taishan, and said that as long as one sustains clear-eyed self-appraisal, continues to pursue excellence and channels efforts into concrete actions, obstacles and operation performance will definitely be surmounted and improved respectively.