World's first Generation IV nuclear reactor gets operational in China - Interesting Engineering

World's first Generation IV nuclear reactor gets operational in China
World's first Generation IV nuclear reactor gets operational in ChinaThe reactor uses tiny balls of fuel and heats gas to generate electricity. It's reportedly a cleaner, safer way to use nuclear power.Jijo MalayilPublished: Dec 14, 2023 12:03 PM ESTenergyThe HTR-PM reactor in Shandong province of China.Tsinghua University Get a daily digest of the latest news in tech, science, and technology, delivered right to your mailbox. Subscribe now.By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Policies You may unsubscribe at any time.In what can be termed a significant achievement in the development of next-generation nuclear reactor technology, China claims to have successfully commissioned the world's first Generation IV commercial nuclear reactor. The Shidao Bay Nuclear Power Plant's HTR-PM high-temperature gas-cooled (HTGR) pebble-bed reactor, situated in Shidao Bay, Shandong Province, reportedly commenced operations earlier this month. According to China's National Energy Administration (NEA), the feat was achieved following a 168-hour demonstration run on December 6. The HTR-PM Demo project is a joint initiative led by Tsinghua University for R&D and primary components/systems design, China Huaneng Group Co. as the plant owner and operator, and China National Nuclear Co. (CNNC) serving as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor and fuel manufacturer. See Also Related Russia stretches its naval muscle with two new nuclear submarines LPDDR5: China inching on US and allies with advanced memory chip tech JT-60SA: World's largest nuclear fusion reactor powers up in Japan Safer technologyGeneration IV reactors represent the most recent advancements in nuclear power plants, offering the anticipated benefits of enhanced affordability, safety, and efficiency compared to existing reactor technologies. The HTR-PM, classified as a Generation IV nuclear energy technology and a Small Modular Reactor, recently underwent two safety demonstration tests. Directed on August 13 and September 1, each reactor module operated at 200 megawatts of thermal (MWt) power. Notably, the regular energy transfer driven by power was deliberately halted during these tests. The recorded nuclear power and temperatures within various reactor structures detailed the natural cooling process employed, devoid of human intervention or emergency core cooling systems, according to a statement. These tests validated a groundbreaking achievement: the capability of commercial-scale reactors to undergo natural cooling without relying on emergency core cooling systems, marking a significant milestone in the development of inherently safe reactor technology.As a Generation IV design, the reactor integrates various safety advancements, such as passive cooling mechanisms, resilient fuel capable of withstanding anticipated temperatures, self-regulation of the fission reaction, and the capacity to endure emergencies independently without external assistance. Due to its utilization of helium for cooling, the reactor doesn't necessitate proximity to coastlines, rivers, or extensive bodies of water, according to New Atlas. Advanced facilityThe facility comprises two HTR-PM reactor modules coupled with a shared steam turbine. The commencement of construction was marked by the issuance of the construction permit on December 9, 2012. Subsequently, the operational permit was officially granted on August 20, 2021, paving the way for the plant's synchronization with the grid on December 20, 2021. Currently, the plant is actively generating power at a capacity of 2×200 megawatts thermal, according to a statement by Tsinghua University.Remarkably, the plant boasts over 2,200 sets of pioneering equipment, showcasing a commitment to technological innovation. Additionally, more than 660 sets of cutting-edge equipment have been incorporated, underscoring the project's dedication to employing state-of-the-art technology. Researchers claim that the supporting fuel element production line associated with the plant claims the distinction of having the largest production capacity globally.The primary objective of the HTR-PM is to simultaneously produce high-temperature steam reaching up to 500℃ and generate electricity. The team claims that, within the Chinese market, it has proven to be economically advantageous for providing steam and electricity to the petrochemical industry as a substitute for the traditional combustion of natural gas and coal. This innovative technology is acknowledged for its constructive contribution to optimizing the energy landscape and aligning with China's "dual carbon" objective. Numerous commercial projects are presently in the planning stages within China to leverage this groundbreaking technology, according to researchers.HomeEnergyAdd Interesting Engineering to your Google News feed.Add Interesting Engineering to your Google News feed.SHOW COMMENT (1) For You Study on 160-year-old Coast Salish dog pelt unveils genetic secretsLow oxygen levels prompted the appearance of first multicellular organismsBuilding cities with reduced carbon footprints — how can it be done?Aliens are silent because they may be going extinct — part 1Intel’s new chip Gaudi3 competes with Nvidia and AMDIs graph theory the key to understanding the brain?This sun-powered suit could work in outer spaceThe only car you will never driveHot helium stars shift to 'hydrogen-poor supernovae' in binary systemTurbulence Solutions to make 'whole aviation industry turbulence-free' Job Board