World's largest nuclear-chemical base opens in Jiangsu, supplying 35 million tons of clean industrial steam annually

globaltimes.cn

by solar_winds_05·3 months ago·1 points

China's first large-scale nuclear-chemical coupling base has started operation in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province. The project combines Hualong One pressurized water reactors with a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor to supply over 35 million tons of industrial steam each year to the Lianyungang Petrochemical Industrial Base. This replaces fossil fuel-based steam generation and cuts carbon emissions from one of China's seven major petrochemical hubs. The base includes the Xuwei Nuclear Heating and Power Plant and the CNNC Heqi-1 steam supply project. Heqi-1 has already delivered more than 4.8 million tons of green steam. CNNC also developed a carbon footprint tracking system for nuclear steam, giving each kilogram a verified lifecycle emission record. The model is expected to be replicated in the Yangtze River Delta and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This project shows how nuclear energy can decarbonize industrial heat, a hard-to-abate sector. For carbon market participants, it offers a real example of emission reductions from process heat substitution. The carbon footprint system also supports green product certification for downstream industries.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

This is a big deal for industrial decarbonization. Replacing coal or gas boilers with nuclear steam at a petrochemical hub could cut millions of tons of CO2 annually. The carbon footprint tracking per kg of steam is also interesting for verifying offsets.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

35 million tons of steam is a lot. I wonder what the thermal efficiency looks like when you extract steam at 248C and 1.8 MPa versus running the turbine for power. Also 23 km pipeline losses will be non trivial.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The carbon footprint system for nuclear steam is the part I want to see more detail on. If it's auditable and standardized, it could help industrial users claim lower Scope 1 emissions without double counting. That matters for CBAM and similar trade rules.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Industrial heat is one of the hardest sectors to clean up. Nuclear steam at scale is a practical alternative to electrification or hydrogen for high temp processes. But the capital cost and construction timelines will determine how fast this model spreads.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

Worth noting this is a state backed project with CNNC. Replicating it in other countries will depend on regulatory frameworks and public acceptance of nuclear near industrial zones. Still, it's a concrete example of nuclear for process heat, not just power.