China on Saturday begun building of the world's first ultra-supercritical coal-fired power generation unit operating at 650 degrees Celsius, another step in the country's push for cleaner and more efficient coal energy.
The unit, located at the Yuhuan Power Plant in eastern Zhejiang Province, is part of the plant's Phase IV expansion and will contain a ultra-supercritical coal-fired power generator with a main steam pressure of 35 megapascals. Both the main and reheat steam temperatures will reach 650 degrees Celsius, the highest parameters ever recorded for a coal-fire unit globally.
Huaneng said the project uses high-temperature alloy materials developed by itself, ensuring a full domestic control over key technologies.
Once completed, the project will set new records for the highest operating parameters and lowest coal consumption among coal-fired power units, a milestone in clean coal technology and high-efficiency thermal power.
"The Phase IV project of Huaneng Yuhuan Power Plant involves the building of a 1,000 megawatt single-reheat coal-fire ultra-supercritical generator unit operating at 650 degrees Celsius. Compared to existing coal-fired units, it is expected to improve power generation efficiency by about four percentage points, reduce coal consumption per kilowatt-hour by around 10 percent, and cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 450,000 tons. The project will provide significant support for China's energy security and its dual carbon goals," said Xie Jigang, Party secretary of the Yuhuan Power Plant.
China has been pushing for advanced coal technologies to balance its energy needs with climate commitments, including its pledge to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
China starts building of 650 degrees Celsius ultra-supercritical coal power unit
