World's First HTGR Demonstration Project Realizes Dual-Reactor Critical Condition

A bird's-eye view of the world's first high-temperature gas-cooled reactor demonstration project at Shidaowan nuclear power plant in Rongcheng, Shandong Province [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

The No. 2 reactor of the world's first high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) demonstration project at Shidaowan nuclear power plant in Shandong Province reached critical condition on Nov 11.

Two reactors at the plant have realized critical condition thus far, laying a foundation for power generation by the end of this year.

The HTGR is a key project that reflects the independent innovation of China's nuclear power industry.

With complete proprietary intellectual property rights, construction on the project started in late 2012 in Rongcheng.

With an installed capacity of 200,000 kilowatts, the plant has the world's first Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) with fourth-generation advanced nuclear power system characteristics.

The HTGR has outstanding performance in security, power generation efficiency, environment adaptability and usage, and can be used in nuclear power generation, combined cooling and heating power systems, and high-temperature process heat supplies.

It will play a key role in optimizing China's energy structure, guaranteeing safe energy supplies and realizing the country's goal of reaching peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is a major participant in the HTGR project and is responsible for fuel element manufacturing, engineering and construction.

During the development of the project, CNNC's Chinergy Co., Ltd. and Tsinghua University cooperated in promoting transformation of nuclear scientific and technological achievements.

(Executive editor: Niu Yilin)