China has embarked on the expansion of the Shidaowan high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) nuclear power plant, marking the world's first fourth-generation nuclear facility.
Located in Rongcheng County, Weihai City, Shandong Province, the project is a collaboration between China Huaneng Group, Tsinghua University, and China National Nuclear Corporation. This expansion underscores China's commitment to advancing nuclear technology with fully independent intellectual property rights.
The original plant, which began commercial operations last December, features a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. The first phase of the expansion involves installing two Hualong One reactors, a domestically developed third-generation pressurized water reactor. Each unit boasts a capacity of 1.2 million kilowatts.
Zhang Aijun, vice president of the HTGR Nuclear Power Company, Ltd, explained that upon completion, the expanded plant is expected to generate 20 billion kilowatt-hours annually. Additionally, the heating supply area will increase by 20 million square meters, benefiting 600,000 local residents.
This development highlights China's focus on sustainable energy solutions and its role in pioneering advanced nuclear technologies.
Reference(s):
Expansion of world's first 4th-generation nuclear power plant begins
cgtn.com
