Nuclear tech milestone: China’s supercritical ‘steam-free’ generator connects to grid
Supercritical carbon dioxide power system in southwest China is the world’s first commercial unit of its kind
Once operational, the two 15-megawatt power units are expected to be 50 per cent more efficient at capturing and using waste heat from steel production to generate electricity than existing steam power technology.
It also signals a transformative leap for next-generation nuclear reactors and advanced energy systems because these efficient, compact power systems could be fitted to produce power from mobile nuclear power sources, spacecraft and concentrated solar plants.
The project by the Nuclear Power Institute of China and Jigang International Engineering and Technology is expected to lay the foundation for future units.
According to the institute, the supercritical carbon dioxide waste heat power generator, located at the state-owned Shougang Shuicheng Steel plant in the city of Liupanshui, is the world’s first commercial grid-connected unit of its kind.