GUANGZHOU: China’s home-grown nuclear power facilities with safer technology have rolled off the production line, with over 20 third-generation nuclear power reactors currently in the pipeline, set to generate more clean energy to power the country’s growth.
At present, China boasts over 50 operational nuclear reactor units, and among them is the “Hualong One” generator set, installed in the eastern city of Fuqing. This domestically designed third-generation nuclear reactor has not only increased on-grid electricity generation but has also revitalized both upstream and downstream industry chains.
The newly-developed nukes are designed with a safer core-cooling technology, compared with the second-generation nukes. In addition to utilizing externally powered circulating cooling water, China’s Hualong One reactors are equipped with a dual security system and a two-layer containment structure.
The No. 5 unit in Fuqing, the first Hualong One unit to enter commercial operation in January 2021, has three super-large water towers mounted on its top. In the event of an emergency where the circulating water system fails, thousands of tonnes of water stored in these tanks will flow automatically without requiring a power supply.
Furthermore, the nuclear island has been encapsulated in two robust concrete shells, measuring 1.3 meters and 1.8 meters in thickness, securely locking the radioactive materials within. –Agencies
