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Repowering Coal Power in China by Nuclear Energy—Implementation Strategy and Potential

Author

Listed:
  • Song Xu

    (College of Energy, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361001, China)

  • Yiu Hin Martin Lu

    (College of Energy, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361001, China)

  • Meiheriayi Mutailipu

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumchi 830017, China)

  • Kanti Yan

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumchi 830017, China)

  • Yaoli Zhang

    (College of Energy, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361001, China
    Research Center for Nuclear Engineering, Xiamen 361001, China)

  • Staffan Qvist

    (Qvist Consulting Limited, Maidenhead SL6 8EW, UK)

Abstract

This article discusses a sustainable low-carbon development strategy that uses nuclear heat sources to replace coal boilers at existing coal power plants in China, to help support a resource and cost-effective low-carbon development. Based on the local situation in China, a three-stage strategy to explore the potential of repowering coal power by nuclear energy is proposed. The main focus of this study is to conduct a more detailed exploration of the 1st stage of this strategy, which includes coal plants located on the coast in regions that already have nuclear power installations. The study makes use of HTR-PM modular reactor for retrofit analysis for the types of coal units present in 1st stage of the strategy. The results show that: 1. There is a technical and economic basis for exploring nuclear power retrofit decarbonization. This conclusion is backed up by on-site transformation analysis and demonstration of the conversion of representative plant units to ensure the validity and reliability of the data. 2. This research provides a new pathway for the problem of stranded assets in China’s power sector decarbonization. The use of HTR-PM modules for retrofit can save up to 1200 billion $ as well as retaining local jobs and economic activity in areas currently hosting coal plants, which brings to society great economic and social benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Song Xu & Yiu Hin Martin Lu & Meiheriayi Mutailipu & Kanti Yan & Yaoli Zhang & Staffan Qvist, 2022. "Repowering Coal Power in China by Nuclear Energy—Implementation Strategy and Potential," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-27, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:3:p:1072-:d:739738
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Pollitt, M. & Yang, C-H. & Chen, H., 2017. "Reforming the Chinese Electricity Supply Sector: Lessons from International Experience," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 1713, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    2. Chen, Hao & Tang, Bao-Jun & Liao, Hua & Wei, Yi-Ming, 2016. "A multi-period power generation planning model incorporating the non-carbon external costs: A case study of China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 1333-1345.
    3. Yi-Ming Wei & Hua Liao (ed.), 2016. "Energy Economics: Energy Efficiency in China," CEEP-BIT Books, Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research (CEEP), Beijing Institute of Technology, number b5, december.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yao Tong & Duo Zhang & Zhijiang Shao & Xiaojin Huang, 2023. "Global Model Calibration of High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Pebble-Bed Module Using an Adaptive Experimental Design," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-25, June.
    2. Henryk Łukowicz & Łukasz Bartela & Paweł Gładysz & Staffan Qvist, 2023. "Repowering a Coal Power Plant Steam Cycle Using Modular Light-Water Reactor Technology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-25, March.
    3. Haneklaus, Nils & Qvist, Staffan & Gładysz, Paweł & Bartela, Łukasz, 2023. "Why coal-fired power plants should get nuclear-ready," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).
    4. Lucas Reijnders, 2022. "Defining and Operationalizing Sustainability in the Context of Energy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-9, July.

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