HTR-PM Connected to Grid
On December 20, 2021, the High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor - Pebble-Bed Module (HTR-PM) Demonstration Plant at the Shidaowan site in Shandong Province was connected to the grid for the first time.
The plant integrates two reactor modules with one 210 MWe turbine which implies that HTR-PM completes grid connection module by module. After the grid connection of the first module, a series of operation tests are being carried out on a variety of power levels. The second module is undergoing a similar process. It is expected that the plant will reach full power operation in mid-2022.
HTR-PM has the advantages of inherent safety, which prevents the reactor core from melting down in case of an unexpected failure or a severe external accident like an earthquake.
When operated at full power in the upcoming future, HTR-PM is expected to bring about 1.4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year which can meet the living needs of 2 million residents, and will reduce CO2 emissions by 900,000 tons per year. The high-temperature steam produced in the process of power generation can be applied in cogeneration, heavy oil thermal recovery, chemical industry, etc..
