The Taishan nuclear power plant in China’s Guangdong province is owned and operated by a joint venture between EDF, the French owned nuclear company and China General Power Group (CGN), the Chinese owned nuclear power company. The U.S. news network reported that Framatome, the EDF subsidiary which designed the Taishan reactors, warned that there was an immediate radiological threat at the Taishan plant. EDF has begun investigating a buildup of inert gases at the plant, but said that the plant was operating safely. They said that the buildup of krypton and xenon which affected the primary circuit of the Unit 1 reactor at Taishan was a “known phenomenon, studied and provided for in the reactor operating procedures”.
     A spokesperson said that the build up of gases could be because of an issue with fuel rods and seals. EDF measurements of inert gases were below the maximum levels authorized in China. The spokesman added that that it was too early to say whether or not the reactor would have to be shut down. Krypton and xenon do not tend to react with other substances which is why they are called “noble gases.” They do have radioactive properties and are subject to constant monitoring.
      CGN said that the operations at the Taishan plant met applicable safety rules and that the surrounding environment was safe. CGN put out a statement on their website that “Regular monitoring data shows the Taishan station and its surrounding environment meet normal parameters.” Framatome issued a statement that they were supporting efforts to resolve the situation. EDF has requested a meeting with CGN to review the findings to date but no date has yet been set for the meeting.
    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog, said, “At this stage, the agency has no indication that a radiological incident occurred.” The IAEA also said that they were in contact with officials in China about the issue.
     The French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) had no immediate comment when asked about the issue. The U.S. State Department and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission referred inquiries to the Department of Energy. The White House has not responded to questions.
     The Taishan reactor is the first French-designed European Power Reactor (EPR) to become operational. The same technology is being deployed in France, Finland and Britain. Power from the plant provides electricity for Guangzhou and Shenzhen areas which contain Guangdong provinces major manufacturing hubs. These facilities have faced serious power shortages in recent weeks because of hot weather and lower than usual hydropower supplies from neighboring Yunnan province.
     CNN reported that the warning that Framatome issued contained an accusation that the Chinese safety authority was raising the acceptable limits for radiation levels outside the Taishan plant in order to avoid having to shut the plant down. The Chinese National Nuclear Safety Administration has not yet made a public statement or answered questions about the Taishan situation. They have said that the Taishan nuclear power plant meets all the relevant safety regulations.