China has completed the installation of its first thermal power unit built with domestically developed ultra-heat-resistant steel, according to China Datang Corporation. The installation took place at the Yuncheng plant in Shandong Province on May 20.
Source: CCTV News
China has completed the installation of its first thermal power unit built with domestically developed ultra-heat-resistant steel, according to China Datang Corporation. The installation took place at the Yuncheng plant in Shandong Province on May 20.
The specially engineered steel can withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining high strength and resistance to oxidation. It is a key material for piping systems that carry high-temperature steam in thermal power plants and plays a crucial role in improving efficiency and reducing emissions. The breakthrough reduces China’s dependence on imported high-performance alloys and opens the door for broader applications in coal-to-chemical processes, nuclear power, and fuel cell technologies.
“This new steel can operate reliably at 630°C—it’s like giving the plant stronger arteries,” said Yu Haiyi, project lead for Datang’s 630°C National Demonstration Project. Compared to imported steel, the domestic alloy offers significantly better mechanical strength and oxidation resistance. That allows engineers to reduce pipe wall thickness by a third and cut weight by half, helping coal-fired units push thermal efficiency beyond 50%.
Once the project is operational, it’s expected to save 467,000 tonnes of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.26 million tonnes annually compared to conventional plants.
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