REGIONAL> Highlights
An IPS $250 million contract signed
By Chen Qide (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-03-05 17:06
SHANGHAI: Invensys Process Systems (IPS), a global technology, software and consulting firm, has signed a $250 million contract with China Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation to help develop China's nuclear power industry.

Ulf Henriksson, chief executive officer of Invensys plc, said today at the opening ceremony of IPS' largest facility in Asia that the investment will be used to develop and implement four large-scale, fully digitized nuclear control rooms.

These rooms will be equipped with the latest simulation technologies, critical control and safety systems, for two new nuclear power plant sites in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, said Henriksson.

The two plants, each having two 1000 megawatt generating units, are based in Fuqing of Fujian Province and Fangjiashan of Zhejiang Province and will be put into operation within five to six years, said Harry Song, general manager of IPS China.

"China is a potential market where we are looking for new opportunities for new plants," said Henriksson, adding that the country provides tremendous growth and IPS is concentrating large effort on the China market.

Energy insiders said China now has 9,000 megawatts nuclear generating units, accounting for only 1.3 per cent of its total generating units. It plans to raise the figure up to 70,000 megawatts by 2020.

"As a leading provider of industrial automation services and solutions, Invensys recognizes China's immense potential, especially in infrastructure development and energy sectors," Henriksson said.

"We are pleased to contribute to the nation's plans to build a healthier and more sustainable future."

He said IPS' new Shanghai facility will help China meet the increasing demand for reliable, environmentally friendly energy.

Chin Daily Shanghai Bureau