Sinomach Contributes to World's First Pebble-Bed Modular HTGR Nuclear Power Plant

China National Machinery Industry Corporation (Sinomach) has played a role in construction of the Shidao Bay high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) nuclear power plant demonstration project, the world's first fourth-generation pebble-bed modular HTGR nuclear power plant. The plant started operation on Dec 20, making China one of the global leaders in this field.

Taking advantage of its research and development capacity in nuclear power manufacturing, Sinomach was responsible for providing various types of steam generators and helium fans.

As an important participant of the project's construction, Sinomach joined hands with Tsinghua University and Harbin Electric Corporation to carry out scientific and technological research and development on steam generators and helium fan forgings.

The on-time delivery of the forgings laid a solid material foundation for the nuclear power project.

The project intends to start full operation next year. Once operational, it is expected to produce 1.4 billion kilowatt-hours of power annually, equivalent to reduction of 900,000 tons of carbon dioxide emission. The power will meet daily energy demands of 2 million residents.

The HTGR demonstration project is one of 16 major national science and technology projects in China's National Medium- and Long-term Plan for the Development of Science and Technology (2006-2020).

According to the plan, China aims to have a 200,000 kilowatt HTGR installed capacity and to increase domestically-made HTGR equipment to 93.4 percent by 2020.

(Executive editor: Niu Yilin)