The first fusion-proof nuclear power plant

It takes only 35 hours for the HTR-PM to cool down passively, which is an important phase in the nuclear fission energy process.

In addition to being the first SMR reactor of its kind, it has demonstrated that it is safe to operate at full capacity.

Many people have been opposed to nuclear power as a result of catastrophes such as Chernobyl and Fukushima; however, China is working to change this perception by constructing the world’s first power plant that is resistant to meltdowns. Because it is running at full capacity, the HTR-PM has demonstrated that it is safe.

An early example of a fission reactor. The High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Pebble-Bed Module (HTR-PM) is the first small modular reactor (SMR) to be installed on land. It was inaugurated in December 2023 in Shidaowan, which is located in Shandong Province.

Additionally, it is the second fourth-generation reactor (after the Russian BN-800) that is already connected to the power grid and the heating network. This reactor was developed by the Institute of Nuclear Technology and New Energy at Tsinghua University. It has been able to supply thermal energy to 1,850 families ever since it was put into operation.

A pebble bed was the first SMR to be used. A 210 MW electrical steam turbine is driven by two thermal modules with a capacity of 250 MW each in the HTR-PM. This compact, gas-cooled modular fission reactor is distinguished by the fact that it use a bed of pebbles as fuel rather than the conventional fuel rods that are typically used during the process.

For the first time, a small modular reactor (SMR) using this architecture has been developed. In this design, the nuclear fuel is encased in graphite balls that have a reduced energy density, which enables cooling that is both more efficient and safer.

unable to melt. Both of the modules have been subjected to two separate safety tests, with each of them currently functioning at a thermal output of 200 megawatts. In order to determine whether or not the waste heat produced by the miniature reactors can be evacuated in a passive manner, the active power supply to the reactors was cut off during the experiments.

Within thirty-five hours, the reactors reached a temperature that was stable through natural cooling without any intervention from outside sources. The safety of a nuclear power plant that is fusion-proof and operates on a commercial scale has been shown for the very first time on this occasion.

A remarkable achievement of engineering that comes with a significant catch. 2016 marked the beginning of preparations for the HTR-PM. In spite of the fact that the full-power results were delayed by six years, they are encouraging for the safety of nuclear fission and for low-cost decarbonization.

The HTR-PM is an engineering marvel that exemplifies China’s capacity to lessen its reliance on fossil fuels. It is a demonstration of China’s expertise in this area. But widespread implementation is still a long way off because the technology cannot be applied to reactors that are already in operation. This means that new facilities will be required in order to reap the benefits of this secured design.

The first fusion-proof nuclear power plant

By b0oua

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