China Launches the World's Largest 660 MW Ultra-Supercritical CFB Power Station

China has achieved a significant breakthrough in energy technology with the inauguration of the first-ever 660 MW circulating fluidized bed (CFB) steam generator. Created by Harbin Electric Corporation (HEC) and situated in Shaanxi Province, this cutting-edge facility sets a new global standard for power output, emission control, and efficiency.

An Important Advancement in Power Generation

As reported by Enterpriseasia, this plant forms part of the Binchang power initiative and was developed with the backing of China’s Ministry of Science and Technology along with the National Energy Administration.

Boasting the title of the largest and most sophisticated station of its type, it has successfully completed a 168-hour continuous operation trial, demonstrating remarkable stability, performance efficiency, and environmental advantages.

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This milestone underscores China’s expanding leadership in advanced thermal power technologies and provides a model for countries striving to balance energy production with eco-friendly practices.

Understanding the Ultra-Supercritical Advantage

Ultra-supercritical (USC) plants work by operating at extremely high pressures and temperatures, which greatly enhance the energy conversion efficiency compared to traditional coal-fired plants. By pushing water beyond its critical point, these power stations achieve:

Improved efficiency – reaching over 45%, compared to the typical 30-40% efficiency range of standard coal power plants.
Reduced emissions – lowering the CO₂ emissions per megawatt generated.
Enhanced reliability – employing state-of-the-art steam cycle processes that enable sustained, stable operation.

With global energy needs increasing and a growing demand for cleaner energy technologies, USC power plants are becoming pivotal in the shift toward sustainable electricity generation.

The-Shaanxi-Binchang-Power-Plant-41587434ee1219fb0abf8cf82b8ca90f.jpeg — Exterior view of the Shaanxi Binchang Power Plant.

Innovative CFB Steam Generator Capabilities

This power station features a leading-edge steam generator operating at an unprecedented 29.3 MPa pressure and reaching 605°C temperature levels.

These performance figures surpass existing industry benchmarks, making it the most sophisticated CFB steam generator ever constructed.

Moreover, its 95% efficient desulfurization system effectively captures sulfur pollutants, significantly minimizing environmental impact.

Steam-Turbine-Generator-Set-for-the-Binchang-Project-in-Shaanxi-592bcafa9c5393d08d3bde80e35e4f01.jpeg — Steam turbine generator installed at the Binchang plant in Shaanxi.

Enhanced Combustion and Broad Fuel Adaptability

CFB technology is known for efficiently burning fuels of lower quality, which makes it ideal for areas rich in subpar coal resources. This pioneering station can utilize:

Low-energy coal
Industrial by-products
Alternative fuel materials

This adaptability, coupled with fluidized bed combustion, ensures even fuel burning, resulting in fewer emissions while maximizing power output.

Transforming China’s Energy Future

The Binchang initiative is set to include two ultra-supercritical CFB units expected to process some two million tons of lower-grade coal annually.

Besides enhancing China’s power capacity, it also supports regional heating services in Binzhou and neighboring communities.

By integrating state-of-the-art combustion technology with practical energy solutions, China is paving the way for future power plants that deliver robust energy supplies with significantly reduced carbon footprints.