On September 16, 2026, at the construction site of Huaneng Octagonal Power Plant, large construction machinery was neatly arranged. With the issuance of the construction order, the first "molten salt energy storage+carbon dioxide power generation" demonstration project in China, "Rui Carbon", officially broke ground. This energy demonstration project with a new technological gene has opened the curtain of construction on the coast of the Jiaodong Peninsula.

New technological path landing

The first phase of the project involves the construction of one 50 MW supercritical carbon dioxide generator unit, accompanied by a 100 MW/400 MWh molten salt energy storage system, making it the largest demonstration project of its kind in China. As the core carrier of the national science and technology major project "Key Technology Development and Engineering Demonstration of Carbon Dioxide 'Thermal Battery'", its commencement marks China's official transition from technical drawings to physical engineering construction in the field of supercritical carbon dioxide cycle power generation and new energy storage integration.

This system completely breaks away from the traditional thermal power cycle using steam as the working fluid, and instead uses supercritical carbon dioxide to drive the generator set. During periods of low electricity consumption, the surplus power of the power plant heats the low-temperature molten salt to 560 ℃ and stores it in high-temperature salt tanks, which is equivalent to installing a giant "thermal power bank" on the power plant. During peak electricity consumption, the heat is released to heat carbon dioxide and generate electricity. The waste heat can also be used for external heating and steam supply, achieving energy cascade utilization.

Clear demonstration value is evident

Compared to traditional steam turbines, this new power cycle has a peak shaving response speed that is more than four times faster, and can achieve continuous smooth regulation from 0 to 100% load. Under the same parameters, the power generation efficiency is 3 to 5 percentage points higher. At the same time, it has the characteristics of compact equipment and nearly zero water consumption, and has unique adaptability in special scenarios such as dense urban areas and desert areas.

All core equipment of the project is the first set in China, and the entire process is jointly developed by the design institute, research institute, manufacturing enterprise, and construction unit. It is planned to be completed and put into operation within 2027. After being put into operation, it will accumulate complete engineering experience for the large-scale application of supercritical carbon dioxide power generation technology in China, promote the localization iteration of core equipment such as carbon dioxide turbines and compressors, and explore a new feasible path for the clean and efficient transformation of coal-fired power generation. Keywords: energy storage news, new energy news

From the traditional steam cycle to the new thermal battery mode, the "Rui Carbon" is taking a significant step along the coast to seize the commanding heights of advanced power cycle technology in the world for China, and is making a significant contribution.Editor/Cheng Liting