Further developments in nuclear technology could be on the horizon in China following the recent launch of two new pebble-bed technology projects.
Of the two progressive projects, one is a prototype modulator plant, HTR-PM, intended to demonstrate the commercial potential of the HTR-10 pebble-bed technology. The other is a helium gas-turbine generator system, coupled with the original HTR-10 reactor.
China is also preparing to build a 190 mw demonstration reactor power plant at Rongcheng in Eastern China and, if successful, a total of 19 pebble-bed reactors generating 3600 mw will be constructed at that site.
The pebble-bed reactor (PBR) technology is an advanced and significantly safer form of nuclear power, achieving higher thermal efficiencies than traditional nuclear power plants and using inert or semi-inert gas such as helium, nitrogen or carbon dioxide as the coolant.
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