Xuwei Nuclear Power Plant Project
China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is advancing its Xuwei Phase I project, which includes building three advanced nuclear reactors in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province.
Reactor Details:
- Two Hualong One (HPR1000) Pressurized Water Reactors (Units 1 and 2): Each with a capacity of 1,208 MWe (net).
- One High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) (Unit 3): Capable of generating 660 MWe, designed for a 60-year operational lifespan.
Unit 3 Construction: Construction on Unit 3 has commenced, featuring a Chilong One HTGR, jointly developed by CNNC and Tsinghua University. CNNC emphasizes the project's progress, with concrete pouring for the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor nuclear island starting in January 2024.
Project Implementation:
- Direct Procurement Model: CNNC's specialized subsidiary, CNNC Energy Technology Company Ltd, handles design, equipment, and material procurement, as well as various support services.
- EPC General Contracting: The same subsidiary has successfully completed similar projects, including the Shandong Shidaowan High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Nuclear Power Demonstration Project.
Conventional Island Contract:
A contract for building the conventional islands of all three units was awarded to a consortium led by China Energy Engineering Jiangsu Electric Power Construction No 3 Company and China National Nuclear Huachen Construction Engineering Company. The contract value amounts to CNY4.2 billion.
Steam Generation and Industrial Applications:
The plant will utilize demineralized water to produce steam, which will then be further heated by the primary steam of the Hualong One units. This process creates three types of high-quality industrial steam, catering to the petrochemical park's needs.
Environmental Impact: Once operational, the plant will supply 32.5 million tonnes of industrial steam annually, reducing coal consumption by 7.26 million tonnes and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 19.6 million tonnes yearly.
Significance: According to CNNC, the Xuwei project is a global first in several aspects:
- World's first large-scale coupling of nuclear energy and petrochemicals.
- World's first coupling of a pressurized water reactor and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor.
- World's first application of a 'reactor-machine-heat' coordinated control mode.
- World's first commercial application of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor.
CNNC Suneng Nuclear Power Company manages the project, overseeing investment, construction, and operation.