The plant is being built by Taishan Nuclear Power Joint Venture Company (TNPJVC) a 30:70 joint venture between EDF and China Guangdong Nuclear Power Company. The unit is expected online at the end of 2013.

AREVA said in a statement that the project is 'benefiting from experience...gained at other EPR sites.'

The welding work on the primary circuit was completed 30% quicker than at the Olkiluoto 3 site in Finland. The time taken to build the four steam generators in France was also reduced by 40% compared to those built for other EPR reactors, it said.

Luc Oursel, Chairman of AREVA's Executive Board also said that the "quality of the partnership with CGNPC," also played a role.