On 19 August, the executive meeting of the State Council approved Xuwei Phase I nuclear power project developed by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), along with four other nuclear power projects. This pioneering project integrates a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor with a pressurized water reactor, adopting an innovative “nuclear reactor - steam turbine generators - heating system” model that prioritizes industrial heating while generating electricity.

When completed, the facility will provide a substantial amount of high-quality, low-carbon industrial steam to the trillion-yuan Lianyungang petrochemical industry base, serving as a catalyst for the green and low-carbon transition in the energy and chemical sectors. The project employs a combination of China’s proprietary third-generation “Hualong One” technology and fourth-generation HTGR technology to build the nuclear heating system.

This Phase I involves the construction of two “Hualong One” PWR units and one HTGR unit, complemented by a steam heat exchange station. It will pioneer a heat-led power operation concept, where “Hualong One” primary steam first heats demineralized water to produce saturated steam, which is then superheated by HTGR primary steam. The facility is designed to provide high quality steam and generate electricity within its operating specifications.

(Source: China National Nuclear Corporation)