To this end, a co-operative programme on Nuclear Safety Development of NDT Techniques, aimed at the specification of an Inspection Qualification Philosophy and Inspection Validation Centre (IVC) for the PRC, has recently being completed. The programme was funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and involved a co-operation between the Research Institute of Nuclear Power Operation (RINPO) at Wuhan, and Mitsui Babcock Energy Limited (MBEL), and AEA Technology plc (AEAT) from the UK.

Phase 1 of the programme involved a review of international PSI/ISI practices and inspection qualification approaches. An Outline Specification for a Chinese Inspection Validation Centre was produced and a programme of NDE technology transfer and training, aimed at assisting the establishment of an IVC, defined for RINPO staff. Phase 2 of the programme involved training of RINPO staff in the UK in Inspection Design/Qualification Principles and Specific Inspection Technologies. Inspection technology for use in a Chinese IVC was transferred from the MBEL and AEAT to RINPO. Phase 3 of the programme involved the development of options for the establishment of a Chinese IVC based on world best practice in Inspection Qualification. Recommendations were made, based the Chinese actual situation, to adopt the European Network for Inspection Qualification (ENIQ) approach as the overarching Inspection Qualification methodology within which the specific requirements of the different inspection Codes can be implemented consistently and efficiently.

The final report and conclusions from the project have been presented to CNNC and the Chinese National Nuclear Safety Authority (NNSA). It is expected that a decision on the establishment of a Chinese IVC will be made in the near future.