Shidaowan nuclear power plant reaches criticality

• 3 years ago (2021-11-15)
• David Flin

Asia 901 Nuclear 665

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China Huaneng Group has announced that the No 2 reactor of Shidaowan nuclear power plant in Shandong Province, east China, has achieved criticality. The plant is the world’s first high-temperature gas-cooled (HTGR) nuclear plant using a pebble-bed module.

Both No 1 and 2 reactors have reached planned normal operating conditions. The No 1 reactor is due to be connected to the grid “shortly”.

Construction of the plant started in 2012, and the two reactors will have a combined capacity of 200 MW, according to Huaneng. Huaneng also said that the Shidaowan plant will be the world’s first commercial use of HTGR technology.