The expansion of the world’s first fourth-generation nuclear power plant, the Shidaowan High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) Nuclear Power Plant, commenced on Sunday in east China’s Shandong Province. This significant development marks a milestone in China’s advancement in nuclear energy technology.
Located in Rongcheng County, Weihai City, the plant is a collaborative project jointly developed by China Huaneng Group, Tsinghua University, and China National Nuclear Corporation. The project is notable for China owning fully independent intellectual property rights.
Equipped with the world’s first high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, also known as the fourth-generation reactor, Shidaowan went into commercial operation last December. The plant’s cutting-edge technology represents a leap forward in safety and efficiency in nuclear power generation.
Zhang Aijun, vice president of the HTGR Nuclear Power Company, Ltd, told China Media Group (CMG) that the first phase of the expansion involves installing two units of the domestically developed third-generation pressurized water reactor, Hualong One.
“The first phase of the expansion project includes two units of Hualong One, our domestically developed third-generation nuclear reactors with independent intellectual property rights, each with a capacity of 1.2 million kilowatts,” Zhang explained. “Upon completion, the plant is expected to generate 20 billion kilowatt-hours per year and increase heating supply area by 20 million square meters to benefit 600,000 local residents.”
The combination of the fourth-generation HTGR and the third-generation Hualong One reactors signifies a strategic integration of advanced nuclear technologies, enhancing the efficiency and capacity of China’s nuclear power industry.
Reference(s):
Expansion of world's first 4th-generation nuclear power plant begins
cgtn.com
