China put the world’s first fourth-generation nuclear power plant into operation on Wednesday, a big step forward for the Asian giant in the race for the reactors of the future. The Shidao Bay power plant, located in Shandong (east of the country), is powered by two high-temperature reactors cooled by gas and not by pressurized water.
This is the first time in the world that this type of reactor has been used, according to the agency. Traditional reactors produce electricity from nuclear energy. But these advanced models (called small modular reactors or SMRs) can be used for other applications, notably heating, seawater desalination or even steam for industrial needs.
Beijing leads the race for new reactors
China, seeking to free itself from coal to fuel its power plants, is at the forefront in the race for new reactors. The country also seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign technologies, in a context of tensions with Western countries. More than 90% of the equipment at the Shidao Bay power plant is of Chinese design, project director Zhang Yanxu said, quoted by Xinhua.
Construction of the plant began in 2012. A first SMR was connected to the power grid in December 2021. Shidao Bay’s capacity is 200 MW, according to local media.
According to their promoters, SMR reactors could play a central role in decarbonization and the energy transition, thanks to a compact and simplified architecture, a modular design that reduces costs and construction times, and their multiple use. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), more than 80 projects are under development in 18 countries.
Source: BFM TV
