China's first Hualong One nuclear power project in the northern part of the country saw completion of the dome installation for its No. 1 unit in Weihai City of Shandong Province on Saturday, marking a key step forward in the construction of nuclear power generation facilities in northern China, according to China Huaneng Group.
Dome installation is a major milestone in any nuclear power project construction, as the reactor's steel liner is a core safety barrier, ensuring the plant's integrity and airtightness to contain radioactivity. The No. 1 unit's dome is the top structure of the nuclear island's reactor steel liner, composed of 70 wall panels, weighing 227.9 tons and covering an area the size of four basketball courts.
"Hualong One is China's independently developed third-generation pressurized water reactor nuclear technology. It features a double-layer safety containment design and a dual active and passive safety system, with international-leading safety performance. The rate of domestically sourced key equipment exceeds 90 percent, and each unit has a 1.2 million kilowatt capacity. The first phase expansion project of the Shidao Bay has led to the first application of Hualong One in in northern China and provides valuable experience for similar projects going forward in northern China," said Chang Chongxi, general manager of Huaneng Shidao Bay Nuclear Power Development Co., Ltd.
The Huaneng Shidao Bay base is China's first major advanced nuclear power base to simultaneously apply homegrown third- and fourth-generation nuclear technologies. It is already home to the world's first fourth-generation high-temperature gas-cooled reactor demonstration plant, and will be expanded with four Hualong One pressurized water reactors in two phases. Upon completion, the base will be capable of generating 35 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power 17 million three-person households for a year.
Shidao Bay nuclear plant of 35 billion kilowatt-hours annual output hits major construction milestone
Innovative household products featuring multifunctionality and cultural designs have helped exhibitors to enhance international competitiveness at the ongoing 139th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province.
A building material that can be used not only for wall decoration, but also as a screen after being charged with electricity, is shining at the building and furniture exhibition area of the event's second phase, running from April 23 to 27 under the theme of "Quality Home Life."
"It enables our building material to become smarter and more flexible. At present, the product has entered European and the U.S. markets for sale, and has been well received in the markets," said exhibitor Feng Liangcheng, general manager of international business at Phomi Holding, developer of the building material.
Many exhibitors have shown household products that integrate traditional Chinese aesthetics and modern industrial designs, such as a set of vase-shaped multifunctional tableware inspired by ancient China's Dunhuang culture.
"It's very impressive. It's something new and very interesting, innovative in some points while matching the cultural meaning of those products throughout the China history. That's what gets me the most, I guess," said Edoardo Orlandini, an Italian buyer.
The event also features an upgraded trade service area where 86 domestic design institutions are providing services for overseas purchasers and exhibitors, including not only industrial design, interior design and brand consulting services, but also new services like fashion design, artificial intelligence design and intangible cultural heritage design. It aims to create a platform where designers and manufacturers get in touch and closely cooperate.
The 139th Canton Fair, which opened on April 15, consists of three phases. The first phase, which concluded on April 19, was themed "advanced manufacturing," while the third phase, which will take place from May 1 to 5, will focus on "Better Life."
Innovative household products enhance exhibitors' international competitiveness at Canton Fair
