In a significant milestone for China’s nuclear energy sector, the steel dome for Unit 1 of the Xu Daba Nuclear Power Plant in Liaoning has been successfully installed. The event, which took place on August 28, marks the near completion of the large steel structure module construction for this unit, laying a solid foundation for the overall completion of the nuclear island’s factory building.
A Critical Component for Safety
The steel dome is a crucial load-bearing element within the nuclear island, situated atop the steel-reinforced concrete structure. It plays a vital role in supporting the passive safety containment cooling water storage tank and all the loads above it. Essentially, it serves as a key barrier safeguarding the integrity and reliable sealing of the reactor plant’s structure.
This impressive dome is conical in shape, approximately 41 meters in diameter and 11 meters in height. It is comprised of radial main beams, ring beams, steel cladding panels, and a bottom steel platform. The entire module weighs nearly 1000 tons, making its installation a complex engineering feat.
Precision Engineering and Strict Controls
To ensure the success of this critical lift, Liaoning Nuclear Power collaborated closely with all participating construction units. They leveraged the extensive experience gained from the installation of steel domes in similar nuclear units. A thorough review of the specialized construction plan and a comprehensive simulation of the entire process were conducted beforehand.
On-site, the construction team adhered strictly to meticulous safety and quality control requirements. They carefully coordinated the interdisciplinary work to proactively mitigate potential risks, such as component deformation, equipment collisions, and shifts in the center of gravity during the lifting operation. These high-standard controls ensured the precise and secure placement of the steel dome in a single lift, demonstrating a commitment to “zero errors, no mistakes” throughout the process.
Xu Daba Nuclear Project: A Clean Energy Powerhouse
The Xu Daba Nuclear Power Project is planned to host six million-kilowatt-class pressurized water reactor units, with a strategy of integrated planning and phased construction. Once all six units are completed, the total installed capacity will exceed 7.6 million kilowatts.
This massive project is set to become a significant contributor to China’s clean energy landscape. Upon full operation, the facility is expected to generate nearly 54 billion kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually. This will translate into substantial environmental benefits, including the saving of approximately 19.2 million tons of standard coal and a reduction of 56.7 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. This CO2 reduction is equivalent to the absorption capacity of 360,000 hectares of forest annually.
The successful installation of the steel dome for Unit 1 is a testament to the advanced engineering capabilities and stringent safety protocols employed in China’s rapidly growing nuclear power industry. It brings the Xu Daba project one step closer to providing substantial clean energy to the region and contributing to national carbon reduction goals.
