Core Insights - The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has launched the country's first carbon footprint factor measurement system for nuclear energy industrial steam, known as "Heqi No. 1," which provides a quantifiable "green ID" for nuclear steam and fills a gap in industry certification [1][2] - The "Heqi No. 1" project in Hainan has commenced operations, complementing the Jiangsu "Heqi No. 1" project, marking a new phase in the standardized and large-scale development of nuclear energy industrial steam [1][3] Industry Developments - The carbon footprint of "Heqi No. 1" is only 1/600 of that of coal-fired steam and 1/100 of natural gas steam, showcasing its low-carbon advantages [1][2] - The establishment of the carbon footprint factor signifies a shift from technical exploration to standard leadership in nuclear energy utilization, allowing for quantifiable and verifiable emission reduction effects [2][4] Project Achievements - Jiangsu "Heqi No. 1" has operated safely for over 11,000 hours since its launch in June 2024, supplying over 4.4 million tons of steam, equivalent to reducing the combustion of 400,000 tons of standard coal and cutting CO2 emissions by 1.07 million tons [3][4] - The project has a maximum steam supply capacity of 50 tons per hour, providing clean energy for the CNNC industrial cooperation demonstration zone and supporting the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port [2][3] Safety and Efficiency - "Heqi No. 1" incorporates a multi-layered safety protection system to address public safety concerns, utilizing a design that physically isolates nuclear and industrial steam circuits [3][4] - The thermal efficiency of the nuclear steam used for industrial purposes can reach over 90%, significantly improving energy efficiency compared to traditional power generation methods [3][4] Future Outlook - The success of "Heqi No. 1" indicates a move towards large-scale development of nuclear energy utilization, with plans for over 30% of nuclear power plants in China to achieve industrial steam supply capabilities by 2030, potentially replacing over 10 million tons of coal annually [4][5] - Ongoing projects, such as the Jiangsu Xuwei nuclear heating plant and the Fuzhou nuclear blue industry park, are expanding the reach of nuclear energy solutions to high-energy-consuming industries across various regions [5]
“核动力”蒸汽上线碳足迹仅为燃煤1/600