China proceeding with 'fourth-generation' nuclear plant

• 13 years ago (2011-03-25)
• Junior Isles

Asia 847 North America 998 Nuclear 639

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Utilising what is being termed 'fourth-generation technology', construction on the “world’s first high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor” will start next month in the coastal Chinese city of Rongcheng in Shandong Province, according to Cui Shaozhang, deputy manager at Huaneng Nuclear Power Development Co (HNPD).

This news comes as Japan is still trying to limit damage at its Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant following the tragic earthquake and ensuing tsunami that hit the country earlier this month.

“There are differences between the Japanese and Chinese reactors,” Cui said. “Japan’s Fukushima plant was using old technology while Chinese reactors are more advanced.”

The Rongcheng nuclear plant will use helium in its cooling system and is reported to be able to withstand temperatures of over 1600 degrees Celsius for hundreds of hours without melting down and becoming unstable, it has been reported.

“The Chinese government has encouraged us with the pre-condition of safety and efficiency,” Cui said.

HNPD, a division of the nation’s largest power group China Huaneng Group Corp, will team up with China Nuclear Engineering Corp. and Tsinghua University on the project which is expected to generate 200 MW when operational.

China currently has six nuclear plants with a total of 13 nuclear reactor units in operation, but there are still 27 nuclear reactors under construction and the government plans to complete most of them by 2015.