China Achieves Milestone with Nuclear-Powered Steam Transport Project

China has achieved a significant milestone in energy innovation with the successful launch of the Heqi No. 1 project. This project represents a collaborative effort between nuclear and petrochemical industries aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Operated by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Heqi No. 1 transports steam generated by the Tianwan Nuclear Power Station to a petrochemical base in Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province.

Liu Yongsheng, maintenance general manager of the Jiangsu Nuclear Power Corporation, emphasized that nuclear-generated steam not only powers electricity turbines but also serves as a vital heat source for industrial processes. This shift supports the petrochemical sector’s transition to cleaner, low-carbon operations by replacing conventional coal consumption with nuclear energy.

The project is expected to reduce annual standard coal consumption by 400,000 tonnes, resulting in substantial environmental benefits. It will cut down emissions equivalent to 1.07 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, 184 tonnes of sulfur dioxide, and 263 tonnes of nitrogen oxides annually. Additionally, it saves over 700,000 tonnes of carbon emission allowances per year for the petrochemical base, akin to planting 2,900 hectares of new forest annually.

Safety measures are robust, with the project incorporating four layers of safety barriers and advanced radiation monitoring to ensure secure production and transmission of steam.

Zhang Yi, chairman of the Jiangsu Nuclear Power Corporation, hailed the collaboration as a model for integrating nuclear power into traditional industries, offering a scalable blueprint for sustainable energy solutions. Huang Ping from the China Atomic Energy Authority expressed strong support for expanding nuclear technology applications across industries, promising further advancements in energy innovation.

Academician Ye Qizhen underscored the versatility of nuclear technology, which extends beyond power generation to fields like isotope production, hydrogen generation, and environmental sustainability efforts such as seawater desalination.

The successful implementation of the Heqi No. 1 project not only exemplifies China’s commitment to green energy solutions but also underscores the pivotal role of nuclear energy in achieving sustainable industrial practices. As global industries seek to decarbonize operations, innovations like Heqi No. 1 represent a transformative step towards a cleaner, more efficient energy landscape.

This initiative positions China at the forefront of integrating nuclear power into diverse sectors, setting a precedent for global energy transitions and reaffirming nuclear energy’s role in shaping a sustainable future.