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China's strategy to dominate the energy sector includes the construction of 11 new nuclear reactors, bringing the number of plants under development to 30, reinforcing its commitment to clean energy and reducing carbon emissions
China continues to lead globally in expansion of its nuclear energy infrastructure, as part of a comprehensive strategy to diversify your energy sources and move towards a more sustainable future. The recent announcement by the Chinese State Council, which authorizes the construction of 11 new nuclear reactors, is a significant milestone on this journey. With this decision, the number of nuclear plants under construction in the country rises to 30, underlining China's commitment to ensuring a cleaner and safer energy matrix, according to the Petrosolgas website.
New nuclear reactor projects: Innovation and sustainability
Among the new projects approved are the initial phases of Xuwei, Lufeng, Zhaoyuan, San'ao and Bailong, that will house these 11 nuclear reactorss. China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and China General Nuclear (CGN) are primarily responsible for operating these new plants. In particular, the Xuwei Power Plant Phase I project in Jiangsu Province will be one of the most innovative, by integrating a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor with pressurized water reactors.
The Xuwei complex will include two Hualong One pressurized water reactors and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. This technological combination will allow the plant to maximize energy efficiency by switching between heat and electricity production.. The installation It will also have a steam heat exchange station, using an innovative model that promises to optimize the use of generated energy, reinforcing China's position at the forefront of global nuclear technology.
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Environmental and technological benefits
New nuclear reactor designs will bring important technological innovations and environmental benefits. In the Xuwei project, for example, the plant plans to use desalinated water, heated by primary steam from the Hualong One reactors, to generate saturated steam. This steam will then be reheated by the primary steam from the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, further increasing the efficiency of the process.
According to CNNC, upon completion of the project, the plant will be capable of supplying 32,5 million tons of industrial steam per year and generating up to 11,5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. This capability will result in a significant reduction in standard coal consumption, estimated at 7,26 million tons, and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 19,6 million tons per year. This reduction represents a crucial step in mitigating climate change and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
Nuclear expansion in different regions of China
In addition to the Xuwei project, other approved projects include the construction of two Hualong One reactors at the Zhaoyuan plant, in Shandong province, two CAP1000 reactors at the Lufeng plant in Guangdong province, and two additional Hualong One reactors at the San'ao plant in Zhejiang province. CGN, which is leading the Zhaoyuan project, noted that this will be the first nuclear power enterprise in Shandong, expanding the company's nuclear energy base in China.
Safety is a top priority in the development of these new reactors. CGN is currently finalizing the necessary preparations and is awaiting the granting of the Nuclear Power Plant Construction License by the China National Nuclear Safety Administration. This rigorous approval process ensures that all stages of the construction and operation of the nuclear plants meet the highest safety standards.
